Iconic Dover Clock Gets £10.5M Makeover in Historic Town Hall Revamp
An iconic clock that has watched over Dover for 140 years is about to be restored to its former glory. The famous Maison Dieu clock, last removed in 1902, is now in the hands of expert clockmakers at Smith of Derby as part of a massive £10.5 million facelift for Dover Town Hall, also known as Maison Dieu.
Victorian Masterpiece Reborn
The clock, crafted in 1883 by E Dent & Co, the same makers behind Big Ben, is a Victorian treasure. It forms part of the Maison Dieu tower, designed by the renowned 19th-century architect William Burges. The restoration will return the clock’s functioning to full working order and reintroduce its lighting, so it shines brightly day and night once again.
Historic Building Opens to Public for First Time
The grand restoration does more than fix a clock. This Grade I Listed building is being revived for the 21st century and will open its doors to the public permanently from 2025—a first in its 800-year history. Visitors will get to explore historic interiors, including a new street-level entrance to the stunning Connaught Hall and unique additions like a café in the old Victorian prison cells.
Local Leaders and Experts Buzzing
Cllr Charlotte Zosseder, Dover’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Property, said, “The removal of the Maison Dieu clock for restoration is the next exciting step in the reawakening of this amazing building. We’re looking forward to its return so that it can continue its history as Dover’s most famous clock!”
Martin Butchers from Smith of Derby added, “We’re thrilled to be restoring the cast iron skeleton dials, installing LED backlighting, and re-engineering the clock’s inner workings. The Maison Dieu Clock is a landmark on Dover’s skyline—it’s a privilege to work on it.”
The Rich History of Maison Dieu
Founded in the early 1200s by Hubert de Burgh and passed to King Henry III in 1227, Maison Dieu was originally a welcome stop for pilgrims heading to Canterbury Cathedral. It served multiple purposes over centuries—from hospitality to supplying ships after the 16th century Dissolution. The building’s only surviving medieval part is the Chapel, now the courtroom.
In the 19th century, gothic revival architects Ambrose Poynter and William Burges revitalised the site, adding the Connaught Hall and civic offices, complete with bespoke furniture and decorative interiors. Maison Dieu remains England’s only intact Burges civic commission, still showcasing his original schemes and fittings.
Funding a Heritage Future
The project is backed by major players including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, The Landmark Trust, Dover District and Town Councils, and the Dover Society. Together, they’re ensuring Maison Dieu’s story lives on for centuries more—alongside a new heritage quarter in Dover town centre.
