Maison Dieu Dover

26/08/2026

Special Autumn Conference - Exploring the life and work of William Burges

The Maison Dieu is hosting an exciting conference on Friday 25 September 2026, exploring the life and work of William Burges (1827-1881), the talented and eccentric Neo-gothic architect and designer.

Burges, together with contemporaries such as Augustus Pugin, was at the heart of the Victorian Gothic Revival and played a major role in the restoration and extension of the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall), as well as completing impressive schemes elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

The conference will introduce William Burges and his work, before focusing on recent conservation work at the Maison Dieu, including the reinstatement of the William Burges decorative scheme in the Connaught Hall and Mayor’s Parlour, as well as the painstaking conservation of its impressive stained-glass windows and historic furniture.

Taking place from 9.30am to 6pm, participants will enjoy short talks, practical demonstrations and building tours, from conservators, historians, archivists and architects, including several who have been involved in the recent ‘Reawakening the Maison Dieu’ project, as we welcome back experts from Arte Conservation, Easthope Stained Glass, Bainbridge Conservation and Haverstock Architects

To view the full programme and to book (tickets cost £30pp), please see https://www.designmynight.com/uk/restaurants/maison-dieu/william-burges-and-the-maison-dieu-reawakening-a-gothic-fantasy?t=tickets

This special day has been been made possible through generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as part of the Reawakening the Maison Dieu project.

25/08/2026

🎶 Line Dancing at Maison Dieu with Carol from CJ's
Join us for a lively morning of line dancing. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome - it’s a great way to start the day!

📍 Dover Town Hall
🗓️ First Thursday of every month (next one: 3 September)
🕒 10.30am to -12.30pm
☕ £8.50 – includes refreshments. Tickets available online and also on the day at reception see https://maison-dieu-dover-town-hall.designmynight.com/69fc60d8a59f88380f1032f9/line-dancing-1
📞 contact Maison Dieu 01304 201 200 for more information.

Buy tickets for Line Dancing at Maison Dieu UK. Tickets and information for Line Dancing Thursday 3rd September 2026 and 2 other Thursdays in UK.

24/08/2026

💃 Join us for an elegant afternoon of dancing and delightful company at the Maison Dieu.
🎶 Enjoy classic tunes, a welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings and refreshments.
📍 Dover Town Hall
📅 Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
🕰️ Time: 12.30pm
🎟️ Ticket price: £8.50 Available to purchase on the day at reception or online at https://maison-dieu-dover-town hall.designmynight.com/6970cf92f0924d3e8a3e9fc2/tea-dance-1
ℹ️ For more information, please call us on 01304 201200

23/08/2026

We’re having a great day at the
Kent Miners Festival at Betteshanger Park today (Sun 23 Aug) chatting to people about the Maison Dieu and encouraging them to take part in our fun interactive board game. We’re here until 4pm.
Pictured playing the game are members of the Kent Coal Court.

Kent Mining Museum

20/08/2026

18/08/2026

We were delighted to welcome Luca Bruschi, Director of the Association of the European Via Francigena Ways (AEVF) and his team to the Maison Dieu on Sunday 16 August, along with Carlo Laurenzi, of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome.

After an enjoyable pilgrim walk from Kearsney Abbey Gardens to the Maison Dieu, along the River Dour, the team were welcomed to the Maison Dieu by Councillor Kevin Mills, the Leader of Dover District Council and Vice Chair Councillor David Cronk.

A Via Francigena pilgrim tile was presented to the Maison Dieu, to recognise its important role in welcoming modern-day pilgrims and as an important, historic site on this ancient route between Canterbury and Rome.

The group also enjoyed a tour of medieval St Edmund's Chapel by Paul Smye-Rumsby, before having their pilgrim credentials stamped at the Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum.

The Maison Dieu looks forward to welcoming AEVF delegates from across Europe to the building next May as part of its annual conference which is being held in Kent.

18/08/2026

We will have a stall here too! Come along for a great day out.

📣 We are just 5 days away from the big day! 🥳

Come and join us for a FREE day full of heritage and family fun!

And remember - there will be FREE bus shuttles 🚌 running to and from the festival from Dover/Deal, Sandwich and Aylesham (timetables available on our website).

18/08/2026

We're looking forward to being part of this.

Dover Heritage Open Days 2026 is fast approaching, the bookable events will go live on Monday !

12/08/2026

Heritage Open Days take place from 11 to 20 September where you can access many of our local heritage sites and events for free. The Maison Dieu is taking part too!
Pop in and pick up a leaflet, follow the Dover Heritage Open Days 2026 page and see www.heritageopendays.org.uk for further information.

06/08/2026