Maison Dieu and Dover Town Hall, Dover

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Maison Dieu and Dover Town Hall, Dover

Maison Dieu and Dover Town Hall, Dover

The Maison Dieu (House of God in French) is an impressive medieval building founded in 1203. It was originally a rest stop and hospital for pilgrims making their way to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. It also accommodated wounded and impoverished soldiers.

A chapel and the magnificent space known as Stone Hall were new additions during the 13th century. Stone Hall features a towering ceiling and stunning stained glass windows. Lining the walls of this grand old hall are portraits of dignitaries from Dover's past. There are also flags of the Cinque Ports, the five major ports of southeastern England.

Extensive restorations took place during the 19th century, and a Council Chamber was added to the end of Stone Hall. The addition of the Mayor's Parlour took place in the 1880s. It was a place for the mayor of Dover to hold meetings. Connaught Hall was also built at this time, a grand assembly room used for concerts, dances, and other public events.

In the 1830s, Maison Dieu was incorporated into the town hall. Dover Town Hall currently serves as a function hall, offering a historical setting for meetings, performances, special events, and weddings. Several of the building's beautiful rooms are available for hire by the public.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dover. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Maison Dieu and Dover Town Hall on Map

Sight Name: Maison Dieu and Dover Town Hall
Sight Location: Dover, England (See walking tours in Dover)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dover, England

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Create Your Own Walk in Dover

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
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