The Building

The Connaught Hall

This spectacular room, designed by Neo-Gothic art architect and designer William Burges, first opened in 1883 as a concert venue and meeting hall. It was opened by the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria, and has hosted many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill.

Its gilded ceiling and walls, decorated with colourful painted dragons, flowers and birds, will take your breath away.

Re-instated in 2024 by an expert team of wall paintings specialists, the decorative scheme replicates the original Victorian hand-stencilled design, which was discovered under layers of modern paint.

The largest of the Maison Dieu’s rooms, it can seat 380 people theatre-style for a show or concert and 155 cabaret-style for dinner/dances.

It has a stage for music events and small theatre performances and a magnificent dance floor.

The Stone Hall

Dating from the 1290s and restored in Victorian times as a spectacular ‘medieval hall’, this impressive space is the oldest of all our rooms.

It includes six magnificent stained-glass windows, highlighting important scenes from Dover's history, carved lion grotesques and heraldic shields of the Lord Wardens of the Cinque Ports.

Over 20 royal and civic portraits, arms and armour from the Tower of London and historic flags hang from its ancient walls.

Its minstrel’s gallery provides an elevated setting for a string quartet or live music to accompany your special event, or for the perfect photo opportunity with its stained-glass backdrop of medieval kings.

With its lofty ceiling, the Stone Hall is a wonderful setting for dining and can seat up to 160 guests.

The Council Chamber

This magnificent room was added in 1867. For many years it was the meeting place of Dover Council and witnessed some lively debates.

Impressive stained-glass windows at the far end of the room are of kings associated with the building, including Henry VIII.

In the showcase is a fine collection of civic regalia, including Dover’s 17th-century silver-gilt mace. A framed Cinque Ports banner hangs on the wall behind the Mayor of Dover’s special chair.

Important portraits include those of Queen Anne and St Martin, the patron saint of Dover.

The Council Chamber is suitable for a more intimate gathering of between 20 and 78 people and is perfect for conferences and smaller events.

Mayor’s Parlour, Accommodation

The Mayor's Parlour inside Dover's ancient Town Hall, the Maison Dieu, was conceived by architect and designer William Burges, arch-proponent of the High Victorian Dream at its most dazzling. The Mayor’s Parlour offers up to six people the unique chance to experience living in spaces conceived by William Burges as privy rooms fit for a medieval lord.

Now available to stay through the landmark trust as a three-bedroom holiday property.

Mayor's Parlour, Masion Dieu | The Landmark Trust