Dover Museum is hosting an exhibition of archaeological finds from Dover’s historic Maison Dieu
A new exhibition at Dover Museum is showcasing fascinating finds from a series of community archaeological digs in and around Dover’s historic Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall). Volunteer ‘History Diggers’ of all ages and backgrounds got stuck in with their trowels as part of the £10.5m reawakening of the Maison Dieu with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by Keith Parfitt of the Canterbury Archaeological Trust.
The digs shed new light on several aspects of the 800-year-old building’s history, including the discovery of medieval decorated stained-glass and evidence of medieval and later buildings. The museum exhibition includes ten large panels illustrated with numerous photographs, plus a showcase of fascinating finds.
The exhibition runs until the end of the year at Dover Museum which is free to enter and is open 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday from 1 October to 31 December (closed Sundays, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day).
Martin Crowther, community engagement officer at the Maison Dieu, said: “The Maison Dieu has stood in Dover for over 800 years and we always hoped we might discover some interesting finds, but the range of material discovered as part of these three, small community digs, has been exceptional and has contributed much to our knowledge, not just of the building itself, but the wider site.
“As well as helping our understanding of the wider significance of the site, these community archaeological digs were a great opportunity for local people to get involved and have a go at archaeology, learn new skills, and explore local heritage.”
