Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester will be hosting a free open day to mark World Day of Social Justice on Monday, February 20.

A Grade I listed building, Shire Hall was Dorset's centre of justice from 1797 until 1955. Now an award-winning social justice museum, Shire Hall Museum brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life.  

Nina Corey, director at Shire Hall Museum, said: "In recognition of World Day of Social Justice, we're delighted to welcome visitors to explore Shire Hall Museum for free. Social justice is at the heart of what we do at the Museum.

"Our mission is to create a place that engages visitors with the history of justice, which inspires people to make a difference to society, politics, and justice for all. 

"We're incredibly grateful to Grassby & Sons for sponsoring this open day. Thanks to their support, we're able to offer visitors a chance to learn more about our history and stories, as well as the work we do now at Shire Hall Museum."

Sponsored by Grassby & Sons, the open day is an opportunity for visitors to explore one of Dorchester's most historic buildings, from the Georgian cells to the historic courtroom.

During its time as Dorset's courthouse, Shire Hall saw everything from the 1834 trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs to the 1856 trial of Martha Brown, who it is said inspired Thomas Hardy to write 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles', as well as child perpetrators and American GIs tried during the Second World War. 

Since opening as a museum in 2018, Shire Hall's mission has been to share the stories of the people who have been through its courtroom – those whose lives reflect the times they lived in and whose connections to issues of justice are still strong today.  

Shire Hall Museum's open day will also be a chance to visit 'Crossings: community and refuge'. A British Museum Spotlight Loan, this exhibition explores themes of identity, belonging and sharing our world. 

Shire Hall Museum is the final venue on this UK wide tour from the British Museum, the first time the Lampedusa cross has been displayed across the country.

Made from the remnants of a boat carrying refugees wrecked near the Italian island of Lampedusa, close to the coast of Tunisia, the cross carries poignant messages about kindness, community and the indifference faced by many refugees.

For more information, visit shirehalldorset.org