Restoration Project FAQs
Is it the Maison Dieu or is it Dover Town Hall?
It's both!
The earliest parts of the building date back to around 1203 when it was founded as a Maison Dieu which means House of God. It was constructed as a place for pilgrims to stop, rest and worship whilst travelling from mainland Europe to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket.
After being used for a wide range of activities, Dover Town Council bought the building in 1834 and began to renovate and extend it. It was opened as the new Dover Town Hall in 1861.
Today the building is owned by Dover District Council. Dover Town Council is located next door, confusingly in Maison Dieu House!
What was the restoration project?
The project restored the Maison Dieu to its former glory to make sure it can continue to play a vital part in the life of Dover for many years to come.
Despite continuing to serve the community for a range of uses, parts of the building were in poor condition and in need of repairs and upgrades.
The restoration project saw the recreation of internationally significant decorative schemes by the renowned Victorian neo-Gothic architect, William Burges (1827-1881), a new street-level visitor entrance to the Connaught Hall, along with improved access throughout the building.
This has created a sustainable future for the Maison Dieu by bringing redundant spaces back into commercial use, including restoring the Mayor’s Parlour as a holiday let in conjunction with The Landmark Trust.
Visitors can immerse themselves in its colourful past with new interactive touchscreens, documentary films and immersive audio soundscapes, and book events in one of its beautiful rooms including the impressive Connaught Hall, medieval Stone Hall, Courtroom and Council Chamber. The old Visitor Information Centre and Victorian gaol cells will eventually be reopened to become a café/bistro.
Will it still be a community building?
Yes. The Maison Dieu was built for the community and has played an important role in the life of Dover ever since. The plan was simply about making the spaces work better for the community with new entrances, toilets, disabled access routes, cloak rooms and storage.
Other parts of the building that were previously not used were also given new uses. This will include a new café as well as self-catering accommodation run by the Landmark Trust.
What about the furniture?
The Maison Dieu is largely the result of renowned Victorian architect William Burges. The major overhaul that Burges led for the Town Council back in the 1800s was so extensive that the commission included lots of bespoke furniture designed specifically for the building.
The furniture is truly unique and arguably as important as the building itself. We have therefore retained and restored as much of the original furniture as possible so that people can see it in all its splendour.
Who was behind the project?
The project was led by Dover District Council, Dover Town Council and the Dover Society. This core team was supported by a range of independent specialists such as architects, cost consultants and business planners.
The project team included:
Project Co-ordinator: Ingham Pinnock Associates
Principal contractor: Coniston Ltd
Technical Project Manager: Artelia UK
Lead Architect: Haverstock LLP
Conservation Architect: Rena Pitsilli-Graham
Quantity Surveyor: D R Nolans & Co
Specialist Conservators: Bainbridge Conservation, Hare & Humphreys, Hirst Conservation, Holy Well Glass
Interpretation Consultant: Design Map UK
How was the project funded?
In 2018 we were lucky enough to secure a first round pass from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for £4.7m to restore, introduce new uses and improve accessibility for the Maison Dieu.
In addition to our own council funds, we received funding from The Wolfson Foundation, the Dover Society and Dover Town Council.
Can I find out more about the history of the building?
Yes, a comprehensive Statement of Significance document has been produced and further information is available at www.maisondieudover.org.uk
How can I find out more?
For more information and project updates