Dover's Gothic Revival: The Mayor's Parlour
Maison Dieu House, Biggin Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1DW
The Maison Dieu was conceived by architect and designer William Burges, arch-proponent of the High Victorian Dream at its most dazzling.
The Maison Dieu (meaning House of God) began as a monastery around 1200, offering 'hospitality for all strangers', chiefly pilgrims travelling to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket. The site has passed through many uses over the centuries, until 1834 when it was bought by Dover Corporation to be Dover's Town Hall. The Corporation set about converting Maison Dieu for public and civic use, and in 1859 brought in architects Ambrose Poynter to restore the ancient fabric and convert it for its new role. The young William Burges was his assistant.
Following a period of decline for Maison Dieu, Dover District Council (DDC) undertook an ambitious £8.5m project at Maison Dieu, including support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, to restore the whole complex and bring it back into vibrant use. Working with DCC and architects Haverstock LLP, we are delighted to have brought the Mayor’s Parlour Block suite of rooms back to life, set in one corner of the upper ground floor with a private staircase to further rooms above.
Entry to Mayor's Parlour and Maison Dieu is free during Heritage Open Days. Information on the building's history and children’s activity sheets will be available.
Pre-booking is preferred, but drop-in's on the day are welcome.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 10am-4pm
- Sunday 14 September:
- 10am-4pm
Location & directions
Maison Dieu House, Biggin Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1DW
- Directions:
- Address: Maison Dieu, Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL By car: There is no parking at this Landmark. Visitors arriving by car should use the town's public car parks. Pencester Car Park is around a 6-minute walk. By train: Dover Priory railway station is just under half a mile from the Maison Dieu. By bus: The local buses are run by Stagecoach, www.stagecoach.com, and there is a stop in Ladywell Street. Please note, 'Maison Dieu Guest House' nearby should not be confused with the Mayor's Parlour at Maison Dieu and is not connected to this event.
- Contact on day:
- The Landmark Trust
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1437046186829?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Booking website:
- https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/opendays/mayors-parlour-open-days-2025/
- Alternative booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1437046186829?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Booking opens:
- 26 Jun 2025 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 13 Sep 2025 12:00 AM
