Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum Verified listing

The Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum in Dorchester, Dorset, offers a compelling journey through over 200 years of justice and injustice in the region. Housed in a Grade I listed building designed by Thomas Hardwick and completed in 1797, the museum immerses visitors in the courtroom dramas and societal issues that shaped Dorset's history. Notably, it was the site of the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, six agricultural laborers whose conviction for forming a trade union sparked national outrage and laid the groundwork for the modern labor movement.

The museum's exhibits are thoughtfully curated to engage visitors of all ages. Interactive galleries, immersive reconstructions of the courtroom and cells, and digital guides bring to life the stories of individuals whose lives were altered within these walls. The museum's educational programs, including a dedicated schools program, encourage critical thinking and provide insights into the historical justice system.

Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum offers an annual pass with each ticket, allowing for repeated visits throughout the year. Admission is priced at £10.50 for adults, £9 for concessions, £5.50 for children, and £25 for a family ticket. Under-5s can enter for free. The museum is located at High West Street, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1UY.