Bee Boles

Updated: 23rd January 2023

Bee boles are rows of recesses in walls. They were south-facing, and were used for sheltering skeps from the elements in Britain, before modern bee hives were invented in the 19th century.

Skeps were roundish- baskets constructed from straw, and having a lid. They are sometimes used today for capturing swarms.

IBRA, the International Bee Research Association, keeps records of bee boles discovered throughout the UK. The register, at the time of writing in July 2014, has 1567 bee bole sites registered.

Sites have been recorded in varied locations, including the grounds of estates, farms, inns and cottage gardens. The register was started by Dr Eva Crane, who had an interest in traditional beekeeping structures.

The oldest surviving bee boles may date from the twelfth century, and examples have been recorded from every century after that.

Surviving bee boles are built in stone, brick or cob walls. Some had a padlocked metal bar to prevent theft. Theft could be a problem, as thieves would steal honey. For this reason, bee boles were usually kept close to the house.

The metal bar would also hold in place a wooden board across the front of the bole, to further protect the bees whilst they were overwintering.

There are a number of books available on the subject from various book sellers.