This fascinating image shows the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of Dover Town Council seated in the Council Chamber at the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) ready to start a council meeting.

Look closely to see a profusion of council papers, together with thick files of documents on the central table, pens, ink wells and ash trays. Smoking was common and at least one pipe is visible on the table (front right).

Councillors are using the Victorian tables and chairs which are still in use in the room today. The large oil paintings of kings, queens and members of the nobility, visible behind the Mayor, also survive.

On the extreme left (just visible) is the press bench where local journalists sat to record and report on the proceedings in local newspapers such as the Dover Express. So bored were they, following the mundane proceedings, that many carved their names into it, creating an impressive graffiti-record of 20^th century reporters.

On the extreme right behind some carved 19^th century screens (which also survive) are the stained-glass windows, with images of English kings associated with the history of the building. These were designed by Horatio Walter Lonsdale.

Look closely and you will see how this panoramic photo has been cleverly joined together from two separate images, in the days before digital technology.

Two important pieces of civic regalia are also on display. These are the mayoral chain and Dover’s impressive 17^th century silver-gilt mace. Both will go on display in an new civic regalia case when the building reopens in 2025.

As part of the Reawakening the Maison Dieu project, a dedicated team of conservators and volunteers have carefully cleaned the Council Chamber furniture, removing over 150-years-worth of dust and grime.

We are very fortunate to have a full list of all the councillors and other officials pictured, including two of Dover’s first women councillors:

With the Mayor (left to right) are Alderman H E Russell, Alderman R J Barwick (Justice of the Peace), Councillor Captain F R Powell (Mayor of Dover), Alderman C J Sellens (Justice of the Peace) and Alderman C E Beaufoy OBE (Justice of the Peace).

The councillors (from left to right) are A R Dawes, T H Brisley, S W Plumb, P Kennett, F H Morecroft, A Pearce, J S Learmont, R L Eckhoff, Major J Martin, A T Goodfellow (Justice of the Peace), W L Law (Justice of the Peace), H J A Ryeland, J Fish, G Madgett-Norman, C H Smith, Mrs F K Langley and Mrs F M Boyton.

At the centre table (left to right) are W Boulton-Smith (MSc, Borough Engineer), Dr A B McMaster (Medical Officer of Health, R E Knocker MBE (Town Clerk), W Ransome (Chief Committee Clerk), and C T Long (Borough Accountant).

The Council Chamber was built in the 1860s and in use for council meetings until 1974.

When the Maison Dieu re-opens in 2025, a joint council meeting of Dover District Council and Dover Town Council is planned in this magnificent space.

By Matt McClean (Maison Dieu research volunteer) and Martin Crowther (Maison Dieu, Engagement Officer).