1. History
     Foundation in XIIIth century   Dissolution in 1534   19th century    Since the 19th century    Stained-glass windows  

2. References

3. External links

The Hospital of St Mary, Domus Dei, or Maison Dieu (Latin/Norman French – house of God), is a medieval building in Dover, England which forms part of the Old Town Hall buildings.

History

Foundation in XIIIth century

Mason Dieu was founded in 1203 by Hubert de Burgh, the Constable of Dover Castle, as the "Hospital of the Mason Dieu" to accommodate pilgrims coming from the Continent to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral.^[1] de Burgh gave the manors of River and Kingsdown to the hospital in order to fund it.^[2] Simon de Wardune also gave some land.^[3]

The original buildings consisted of one large hall with a kitchen and living quarters attached for the Master and Brethren who 'practised hospitality to all strangers'. The hospital accommodated permanent pensioners and other wounded and poor soldiers, as well as pilgrims.

In 1227, a chapel was added and Henry III attended its consecration. Today, this chapel survives as a courtroom, having been converted in the nineteenth century by the town council of Dover. A "Great Chamber", built in 1253, is thought to be the present 'Stone Hall', which has interesting stained glass and contains the town corporation's civic paintings, Cinque Ports Volunteers regimental flags, arms, and armour.

In 1262, the St. Edmund's Chapel was built next to the Maison Dieu and its cemetery for the poor.

Dissolution in 1534

When the Master and Brethren of the Hall signed an oath accepting Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy, declaring him the Head of the Church of England, in 1534, the institution's religious role ended. Ten years later, the building was surrendered to the Crown and (with its nearby subsidiary St Edmund's Chapel) was utilized by the navy and army, as a supplies base, until 1830.

19th century

In 1834, the building was sold to the Corporation of Dover who used the Maison Dieu as the Town Hall.^[4] At first, the building was used by the Town Council with minimal restorations. Eventually, the Council turned the old chapel into a courtroom and built a prison below. The Council decided to fully restore the building, and in 1851 they agreed to implement renovations suggested by Victorian architect Ambrose Poynter.

After seven years of fundraising for the project, William Burges, another famous Victorian architect, funded almost entirely by the Council, began work on the restoration project. Burges's admiration of the original mediaeval style can be seen in such parts of his renovation as grotesque animals and in the coats of arms incorporated into his new designs.

Burges designed the Council Chamber at the end of the hall added in 1867 and in 1881 began work on a town meeting and concert hall. The new building, on the site of the old prison, contained meeting rooms and mayoral and official offices. While William Burges designed the project, parts were completed after his death by Pullan and Chapple, his partners.

Since the 19th century

In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, the building's stained-glass windows were removed to be protected until the end of the conflict.^[5]

The Town Hall and remains of mediaeval Maison Dieu were Grade II* listed in 1973.^[6] Maison Dieu House was Grade II* listed in 1949.^[7] Maison Dieu is also a Scheduled Monument.^[8]

The Maison Dieu continues to be used as one of the main meeting halls in Dover, as well as being open to public use for functions such as conferences, weddings, fairs, concerts, theatrical performances and the annual White Cliffs Winter Ales Festival.^[9]

Stained-glass windows

In the Stone Hall, above the entrance, is a large stained-glass window representing the benefactors of the building, with Hubert de Burgh in the centre wearing a surcoat with his armorial bearings. Henri II and Henri III stand on the right side of de Burgh, Henri IV on the left side. The windows were a gift by Mrs Mary Bell (cousin and benefactor of William Kingsford, owner of Maison Dieu upon his death in 1856) in the 19th century. The windows were designed by Edward Poynter, they were produced by William Wailes, and they were delivered in 1856.^[5]

References

External links

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110519012127/http://www.dover-kent.co.uk/places/maison_dieu.htm Local history page]

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