From 1st May 2018, Shire Hall is set to be a major new tourism attraction for Dorset.
Friendly staff will welcome you in to the museum, where you can purchase tickets that allow you to return many times to complete the 4 interactive tours, pop into the cafe or visit the gift shop.
Interactive exhibits enable visitors to find out what it would have been like for those awaiting trial at the famous courthouse. Following extensive restoration work to the building that dates back to the 18th Century, the museum’s aim is to help everyone explore the history of law and order, as well as the past and present efforts to achieve justice for all people.
Interactive iPads take you on a tour from the dark holding cells through to the steep steps up to the dock to face the Judge!
In addition it showcases the wonderful museum itself and the fascinating stories of those tried at the court all those years ago.
The Tolpuddle Martyrs followers and fans can expect a blend of news, event and exhibition information, topical blog posts and a little bit of fun along the way.
For a wonderful biography of the martyrs look no further than Alan Gallop.
Follow the footsteps of Martha Brown, the last woman in Dorset to be hanged on 9th Aug 1856. Crowds, including a young Thomas Hardy, (a magistrate at the Shire Hall) gathered to watch her execution at Dorchester prison. This incident affected Hardy and inspired his novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
And, while you’re here, why not take a photograph of yourself in the judge’s seat or the dock as the museum will be sharing the very best visitor selfies.
After your tour you can pop into the cafe and enjoy locally sourced breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.
And then the shop:
Photo credit: John Gurd Media
The new museum is run by the Shire Hall Trust, a registered charity. The renovation was made possible thanks to a £1.5m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which was match-funded by West Dorset District Council. For more information visit shirehall.dorset.org.
And the grand opening on May 1st was a delight:
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
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