Original Cannons Restoration Brings a Bang to Dover’s Maison Dieu

Three original cannons have been returned to take pride of place adjacent to Dover’s Maison Dieu, which is  Grade I listed, following restoration.

The works included cleaning the original cannons at Dover’s Maison Dieu and building new gun carriages from English Oak.  The guns are believed to be over 200 years old and were gifted to the town by Alderman Matthew Pepper.

The work was undertaken by Walmer-based Hipperson Builders, who were commissioned by Dover District Council to undertake a programme of refurbishment works to the fabric of the historic Maison Dieu, including the Zeebrugge Bell housing and tower.

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Cabinet Member for Corporate Property, said: “We are committed to investing in the Maison Dieu as a key anchor to the wider plans for the Old Town.

“We continue to advance our plans with Dover Town Council and the Dover Society on a refreshed bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a multi-million pound restoration of the Maison Dieu.”