Dorchester’s Shire Hall Museum dedicated to the history of justice, and home to the courtroom where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried, is set to close on Thursday 8 October, following years of financial difficulty.
The Shire Hall Museum opened in Dorchester’s historic Shire Hall in May 2018 after a £2.9m revamp of the Grade I listed building.
In a statement, museum trustee Rose Wallis said “Several years of challenging economic conditions”, including rising costs associated with managing the Grade I listed building, had contributed to the decision. She said trustees were seeking to “secure the best possible future for the heritage and community asset” ahead of its closure on Thursday.
Rose Wallis added: “We are proud of the exhibitions, performances, education and community events that have happened here, which have had a positive impact on many people’s lives. Most of all, we are proud of our wonderful team of staff and volunteers who have contributed so much and have made a real difference to people who have engaged with or visited Shire Hall.”
Steve Bulley, President of Dorchester Chamber for Business, said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the closure of the Shire Hall Museum. This is a real loss for Dorchester. As our county town, we have always been proud of the Shire Hall and the story it tells, and it has been a draw for visitors from across the country and beyond. The staff and volunteers have done a remarkable job, and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We hope that a way can be found to secure the future of this very special building.”
Claire Dixon, executive director of the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, also on High West Street, described the planned closure as “devastating” for those involved and for the area. She said it showed “just how challenging” it was to run indoor attractions over the hot and dry summer. “We all know how important culture is to vibrant places and communities and people feeling proud of where they live,” she added.
The museum has a wonderful history, The Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried at the Shire Hall in 1834, in what is widely regarded as a defining moment in the trade union movement. The six farm labourers were ultimately sent to an Australian penal colony as punishment for protesting against their falling wages.
The Shire Hall opened in 1797 and was the county hall for Dorset. It also served as the area’s Assize Court for more than 200 years until 1955. Thomas Hardy served as a magistrate there.
The museum has also featured the story of Martha Brown, the last woman to be hanged in Dorset, in 1856. Hardy said her execution, which he witnessed as a 16-year-old outside the town’s prison, left a lasting impression on him and influenced his novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles.
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
