Winston Churchill visited Dover many times and was welcomed at the Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) on at least two occasions.

Firstly, for luncheon, after his official installation as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports on 14 August 1946. And a second time, for his admission as an Honorary Freeman of Dover.

On both occasions he was greeted by large cheering crowds and a 19-gun-salute.

A fine portrait of him by Sir Bernard Hailstone, has recently been conserved and will go back on display in the Stone Hall when the Maison Dieu re-opens in 2025.

In the Dover Museum collection is one of Winston Churchill’s cigar ends, smoked at his installation as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, in August 1946 and kept as a souvenir.

Also at the museum is an original programme, tied with crimson ribbon, from when he became an Honorary Freeman on 15 August 1951 (DOVRM:1985.226). This outlines the visit in detail, from the opening music to the National Anthem that concluded the ceremony.

Music on entry included The Triumph Song ‘Hail to thee! Dauntless Dover’ by H J Taylor, originally created for the 1908 Dover Pageant.

The Mayor of Dover William H Fish accompanied Winston Churchill onto the stage in a packed Connaught Hall, preceded by the Town Sergeant bearing the Mace, and the Town Crier carrying the Silver Oar of the Cinque Ports.

The honour was conferred upon him for ‘his courageous and inspiring leadership’ during the Second World War. The event was captured on film and can be viewed here on the BBC Archive.

Winston was on good form, highlighting what a ‘great pleasure’ it was to ’receive from you this most honourable tribute’, and that he would ‘cherish this record of Dover, Fighting Dover with which I was associated in both these wars.’

The film shows Winston Churchill giving his speech from the left side of the stage, with the pipes of the Dover Town Hall organ clearly visible in the background. When giving tours of the building, guides often point this out, and on more than one occasion, a Churchill fan has asked to stand on the very spot!

The chair he sat in during his installation as Lord Warden is still very much part of the furniture too, having pride of place in the Maison Dieu Council Chamber.

Matt McClean (Maison Dieu research volunteer)