The Dover Burghmote Horn will be on display at Maison Dieu House on Saturday 10 September for the first time since its return to the Town after being stolen in 1969. The Horn which may date back to the 1550s was used to summon the citizens of Dover to Town Meetings and is the finest of about 10 known to still exist.
Maison Dieu House sarà aperta questo sabato dalle 10:00 alle 16:00 nell'ambito dell'annuale fine settimana dell'Heritage Open Day. La Casa Maison Dieu è stata costruita nel 1665 come residenza ufficiale dell'Agente Victualler, il responsabile locale dell'organizzazione della fornitura di cibi e bevande alle navi della Regia Marina. Next door the Maison Dieu itself (the Town Hall) was used for storage. The Agent Victualler remained until after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and then the building was used as the official residence of the Officer in charge of the Royal Engineers in Dover until 1834.
Maison Dieu House became connected to the Mayoralty when Mr RW Mummery, who held the office of Mayor 3 times, bought the property as his private residence. Dover Corporation bought Maison Dieu House in 1904 as a base for the Town’s public services including the Borough Engineer and the Medical Officer. In 1952 Dover Library opened and in 2004 the Town Council renovated and restored the building when it assumed ownership. It is now used by the Town Council and People of Dover for a wide range of civic occasions and meetings.
On Saturday the Council Chamber, the Mayor’s Parlour and the Charter Room will be open together with a display of historic items.