Maison Dieu and The Mayor's Parlour Open Days
Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1DL
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.
Entry to Maison Dieu and The Mayor's Parlour is free during Heritage Open Days. Information on the building's history and children’s activity sheets will be available. A partnership event involving The Landmark Trust and Maison Dieu.
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 (Dover Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, Kent, CT16 1DL
- Directions:
- Address: Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), Biggin Street, Dover, CT16 1DL What3words - ///chats.wheels.single Ladywell car park (100 metres away) including 4 spaces for Blue Badge holders. CT16 1DG Norman Street car park (150 metres away) CT17 9RS Maison Dieu car park (200 metres away ) CT16 1RL or drop-off only outside accessible entrance on Biggin Street CT16 1DL https://www.dover.gov.uk/Transport,-Streets--Parking/Parking/Car-Parks-in-Dover.aspx 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 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
Accessibility details
The Maison Dieu is fully accessible, however, wheelchair access to the Mayor’s Parlour, although via a short and level route is not possible for wider wheelchairs. Information and photos of the Mayor’s Parlour suite and its restoration will be available in the Maison Dieu for those unable to view it on the day.
