Dover Town Hall - Guided Tours
DOVER TOWN HALL (MAISON DIEU)-GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours of this impressive, historic building, lasting about an hour, are available on every Wednesday morning
from 21st September 2011 to 31st March 2012 inclusive starting at 10am until 12 noon.
Additional tours may be available on some Saturday mornings as announced in the press and on the website.
Guided tours will also be available during Heritage Open Days in September - please see separate publicity.
Group bookings
If you would like to bring a group ( minimum of 10 people ) to tour the Town Hall we would be happy to see if we can run a special tour for you either on a Wednesday or at other times of the week if there are no booked functions in the hall
Please ring Derek Leach on 01304 823926 or Email : derekriverdale@btinternet.com to discuss this.
The History Room
The History Room will be open from 10am to 4pm on every Wednesday until 31st March 2012.
Please give your feedback about the tours and displays in the History Room, on cards supplied, so that we can improve future visits
History
Founded by Hubert de Burgh, then Constable of Dover Castle, in 1203, the primary purpose of the Maison Dieu religious house was to provide free board and lodging for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury and later to care for the elderly poor and sick of Dover. A chapel was added by Henry III, which was adapted in the 19th century as a court. More buildings were added over the centuries. In 1536 the religious house was suppressed by Henry VIII, becoming the King's property. The buildings became a victualling depot for the navy until 1830 when it was taken over by the Board of Ordnance. Put up for auction in 1834 it was bought by the Dover Corporation. Restoration and adaptation of the Stone Hall and chapel took place between 1852 and 1862. The 19th century stained glass windows in the Stone Hall depict episodes in the history of the town and there are a number of portraits of famous people connected with the town.
The Council Chamber was added in 1868 and the adjoining Connaught Hall was opened in 1883.
Directions: The Maison Dieu is situated in Biggin Street, the main shopping street, and (pay and display) car parking is available at the rear in Ladywell, in Maison Dieu Car Park, (Maison Dieu Road) or in Norman Street car park off Priory Road.
Tours are organised by The Dover Society with the co-operation of Dover District Council, the owner, and the Town Hall managers,Thanet Leisure Force..
Details for Guided tour of Dover Town Hall
On every Wednesday morning from 10am until 12 noon. Visitors will be able to join a guided tour of the building led by volunteer guides from The Dover Society. There will be a small charge of £1 for adults (children under 16 free ) Dover Town Hall is a working building and tour routes may vary depending on functions.
Please ring the Dover Visitor Information Centre 01304 205108 to check tours are running before making a special visit.
White Cliffs Country website to see and do features guided Tours of Dover Town hall.