A unique opportunity to see conservation work in progress on a hard hat tour of this hidden gem. In use for over 800 years, the Victorian elements of Maison Dieu include impressive stained glass, wall paintings and grand spaces added by William Burges and Ambrose and Edward Poynter. There will be an opportunity to climb to the top of the bird's nest scaffold to see Burges's decorative ceiling close up. There is also a largely intact Victorian prison, courtroom and council chamber.
Meeting place: Ladywell car park entrance, Dover CT16 1DG (NB: Ladywell car park itself is closed)
Additional information: This is a working building site. Hard hats and hi-viz jackets will be provided. There is no disabled access. The visit will last up to 2 hours. Members should be able to walk unaided over a large site and be able to climb several flights of stairs and have no health problems which might pose a risk. Strong, flat shoes are a must (no sandals).
A fully accessible visit will be arranged when Maison Dieu reopens in 2025.
FAQs
How do I get to the meeting place?
The nearest train station is Dover Priory.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please contact Ruth Miller by email at events@victoriansociety.org.uk before the day of the event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. You can show your ticket on your phone or tablet. We can also book you in by your name on our list of attendees.
This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Funds raised from events and memberships allow us to employ expert caseworkers to reply to thousands of planning applications a year in our role as a statutory consultee in the planning system.
We help tackle the climate emergency by campaigning for the sensitive reuse of historic buildings to generate much lower carbon emissions than demolition and rebuild. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.
Image: Dover Town Hall, photo by N Chadwick, Creative Commons
