Historic justice museum to close after financial woes

A museum dedicated to the history of justice and home to the courtroom where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried is set to close after years of financial struggles.

The Shire Hall Museum opened in Dorchester's historic Shire Hall in May 2018 following 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 increasing costs associated with managing its Grade I listed building, 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.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried there in 1834 in what is widely regarded as a defining moment in the trade union movement.

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."

Claire Dixon, the executive director of Dorchester's Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, also based on High West Street, said the planned closure is "devastating" for those involved and 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.

Thomas Hardy served as a magistrate at the Shire Hall, which opened in 1797 and was the county hall for Dorset.

It also served as the area's former Assize Court for more than 200 years until 1955.

The story of Martha Brown, who in 1856 was the last woman to be hanged in Dorset, has been featured at the museum.

Hardy said her execution, which he saw 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.

The six farm labourers now known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs were ultimately sent to an Australian penal colony as punishment for protesting against their falling wages.