Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
About Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum
Immersive, interactive historic courthouse museum in Dorchester, Dorset.
Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum Description
Shire Hall in Dorchester was Dorset's centre of law, order and government for over 200 years - a place where all sectors of society interacted. The trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs that took place here in 1834 changed the course of history and helped shape the society in which we live today. Later, the writer Thomas Hardy served as a magistrate at the court, an experience that inspired some of his writing.
Shire Hall is a rare architectural gem. It is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind and remains almost unchanged since it first opened in 1796-7.
Shire Hall is being transformed into a major social justice-focused heritage attraction and centre for learning. We are planning many activities, exhibitions and events that will engage, inform and entertain people with the fascinating history of this building, and use that history as a springboard to consider how justice works and affects us all today.
Reviews
Ever wanted to create your own unique jewellery? Then join the talented Caroline Parrott in her jewellery making workshop at #ShireHall on June 29th. #Jewellery #Workshop #JewelleryMaking #Unique #Bespoke #OneOfAKind #Museum #Dorchester
Price includes all materials and lunch! Buy your ticket here: http://ow.ly/eSNp50uI8Du
Come on down to #ShireHall on June 27th for a lunchtime talk about the harsh history of the Scold’s Bridle, a cruel instrument of punishment and public humiliation. #ScoldsBridle #WitchsBridle #Punishment #Museum #Dorchester
Book tickets here: http://ow.ly/rAmG50uI7w1
We’re really excited to announce the next exhibition coming to Shire Hall!
From 27 July – 6 September, Shire Hall will host ‘Paint Freedom’ by the contemporary artist Bob and Roberta Smith This new exhibition is in association with National Trust as part of their #peopleslandscapes programme, celebrating sites where people came together to change history.
#art #contemporaryart #peopleshistory #TolpuddleMartyrs #Tolpuddle #TolpuddeTree #BobandRobertaSmith
Exciting times ahead! Our new kitchen is being installed today, which means a brand new menu is on its way, too!
Unfortunately it also means that we won’t be serving brunch or lunch today, but we will be open for delicious coffee and tempting cakes. Which is your favourite?! #food #cafe #cake #coffee
During #RefugeeWeek, we remember all of those who were forced to travel to and make a life in a new and terrifying world, through forced transportation in the C18th and C19th, as well as those who are still forced to travel away from homes and family around the world today. #Refugee #Travel #Transportation #ShireHall #Museum #Dorchester https://refugeeweek.org.uk/
It’s #NationalBeerDay. If you haven’t already grabbed a treat for your dad for #FathersDay, pop into Shire Hall shop and support our local Dorset breweries! #Beer #Breweries #Local #ShireHallShop #ShireHall #Museum #Dorchester
WIN! Ahead of #FathersDay this weekend, we would like to know why your Dad would love to win a Father's Day Afternoon Tea for two on Sunday 16 June? Answer in the comments below! You have until midnight Friday 14 June – good luck!
See full T&Cs here for further details.
#OnThisDay 1838 George Loveless came back to England after 4 years away from his wife and children. You can just imagine what the reunion must have been like between him, Betsy and the children after all that time! (Artwork by Jason Wilsher-Mills Artist) #GeorgeLoveless #FamilyReunion #England #ShireHall #Museum #Dorchester #TolluddleMartyrsRemixed
If you’re still scratching your head for a gift for Father’s Day next Sunday, pop into our shop and choose from a selection of goodies, or book him a Father’s Day Afternoon Tea – a selection of local cheeses, chutneys and nibbles, washed down with some craft ale. £15pp, booking essential 01305 261849. #fathersday #beer #ale #ploughmans #cheese
Photos from the wonderfully talented Jane Tearle, of the ‘Hardy on Trial’ tours at Shire Hall last Sunday. The tours were part of the @The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair in Dorchester, celebrating Hardy’s 179th Birthday. #victorians #thomashardy #courtroomdrama
We’re delighted that Shire Hall has been shortlisted by the Association for Heritage Interpretation in the category of 'Museums and Historic Properties'! Winners will be announced on Thursday 10 October. Fingers crossed! https://ahi.org.uk/awards/
We are more excited than we probably should be about our new signs going up everywhere. Thanks Swift Signs, they look amazing! #signage #shirehall #cafe #toilets #museum #dorset
As it’s #volunteerweek, we’d like to say a big thank you to all our amazing volunteers!
They serve lunches in the café, sell tickets at front desk, arrange shop windows, take visitors on behind the scenes tours, get crafty with families in the holidays, lead school sessions, run the bar at performances, research in the archives, upload our social media posts and so much more. This place would not run without them.
If you are interested in volunteering at Shire Hall, drop b...y between 10am and 1pm on 17 June for a coffee and a chat, or email volunteering@shirehalldorset.org.
We can send you an introductory pack and arrange a chat to talk through all the opportunities we have here. #volunteering #Dorset #cafe #shop #history
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An amazing glimpse at what was happening on the street yesterday for the The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair. Dorchester was out in force despite the forecast! What a great way to celebrate Dorchester’s heritage
The sounds of C19th Dorchester. The Mellstock Band busking outside the front door of Shire Hall after The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair #folk #folkmusic #ThomasHardy