To celebrate five years since opening, Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester is offering a special entry price to visitors on Monday, May 1.

Based in Dorchester town centre, the museum brings over 200 years of history to life, with interactive galleries, immersive cells and the impressive historic courtroom.

On Bank Holiday Monday, May 1, to celebrate five years since the museum opened its doors to visitors, adult day tickets will be priced at £5 and children will benefit from free entry.

Nina Corey, director at Shire Hall Museum, said: "Everyone at Shire Hall Museum is excited to be celebrating our fifth anniversary. So much has happened in the five years since we've opened, with a lot of challenges being thrown our way.

"Our incredible team of staff, volunteers and trustees have worked hard to steer the museum through difficult times and get us to where we are today.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our visitors and our local community for the incredible support they've shown us over the last five years. From using our shop and café to engaging with the museum and our community projects, everything we do would not be possible without their continued support.

W"e're looking forward to welcoming visitors to the museum on Monday, May 1 with this special entry offer."

An important part of Dorset's history

Shire Hall holds an important place in the history of Dorset and this country. 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 to have inspired Hardy to write 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles', as well as child perpetrators and American GIs tried during the Second World War.

Shire Hall Museum first opened on May 1 2018, following extensive restoration work to the building. As part of the development project, extensive work was done to ensure the accessibility of the museum for all visitors, with lift access running throughout the entire building.

Since opening, the museum has welcomed visitors locally, nationally and internationally to explore the historic building and its fascinating history. As well as being an important heritage attraction, Shire Hall Museum has delivered community projects and worked with schools and universities across the South West.

Rose Wallis, chair of the board of trustees, said: "The trustees of Shire Hall Museum are delighted to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the museum opening. Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers have achieved so much during this time, and we're delighted to continue welcoming visitors to this historic building.

"As well as being a cultural asset to Dorset, Shire Hall Museum is dedicated to serving and supporting our community. From our award-winning learning programme and reminiscence sessions for people living with dementia to supporting local businesses at our markets and brining world-class exhibitions to Dorset, the team at Shire Hall Museum continue to work with and for our community."

For more information about visiting Shire Hall Museum, please visit shirehalldorset.org