Bee Boles
Exciting new discovery
Stories of the history of Chichele College continue to be told as new and fascinating ‘cubby holes’ are discovered ─ a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who lived here in the past.
Three bee boles have been discovered at Chichele College: one in the new Duchy Barn Garden and two in the Chichele College Garden. This site continues to give a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those who lived here in the past.
What are bee boles?
Bee boles are a row of recesses, often in a south-facing garden wall. Each recess was big enough to hold a skep ─ the coiled-straw hive used by beekeepers in Britain before the introduction of the modern wooden hive in the late 19th century. (www.beeboles.org.uk)
How did we find them?
The first one on the north wall of the Chichele Garden was always visible but no-one realised its significance. When ivy that had hidden it from view for decades was stripped away last year a second recess was found in the Duchy Barn Garden.
In October 2021, a large shrub was removed from the corner of the Chichele College Garden during repairs to the wall. This revealed a third recess to match the ones on the north wall and in the Duchy Barn Garden. As Jim, the stonemason said, “in medieval times any such recess would have had a purpose”.
It wasn’t until this third one was uncovered by Ian, who gardens at several English Heritage properties, that their true significance was realised. Ian had come across something similar at Lyddington Bede House and research revealed that these were most likely to be bee boles.
How were the bee boles used in the past?
The secular canons (a less strict order than monks) who lived at Chichele College would have harvested honey and beeswax by placing their skeps in the recesses to attract honeybees.
What next?
The three bee boles have been validated and are now recorded on the International Bee Research Association Bee Bole Register. They constitute 2 of only 10 entries for the county of Northamptonshire.
The Duchy of Lancaster, who own both sites, and Historic England have been informed of the finds.
For more information go to www.beeboles.org.uk