3-003-790 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Installation of Lord Palmerston as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports: the banquet in the townhall (Maison Dieu) Dover, 1861. 'The banquet was given in the Townhall, anciently the Maison Dieu, a large noble hall, forming part of the original hospital of that name, founded by Hubert de Burgh, Constable of Dover Castle in the reign of King John. The building, which belongs to the Corporation, has recently been restored and decorated at considerable expense. The arms of the principal Lord Wardens are emblazoned on the walls, on which are also portraits and trophies of ancient armour. The interior dimensions of the hall are 127 ft. in length, 30 ft. in breadth, and 40 ft. high from the pavement to the ridge of the roof. The floor is now about 8 ft. above the level of the street, and is approached by an external flight of steps 12 ft. wide. The entrance is shut off within by a panelled oak screen, extending across the building. Three tables running from end to end of the hall, with one at the top, were laid for about four hundred guests. The dinner, which was of a sumptuous description, was provided by Messrs. Staples, of the Albion'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.