--- title: "Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust — check charity number 1163252 | CharityCompare" description: "Is Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust a legitimate UK charity? Check charity number 1163252. Arts/culture/heritage/science charity based in High West Street. Official Charity Commission record, key facts and how to claim the profile — on CharityCompare." source: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/charity/shire-hall-dorchester-trust retrieved: 2026-08-24T09:58:05.845Z license: "Charity data © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0" --- Quick answer Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust is a registered charity (number 1163252) on the Charity Commission for England and Wales register, so it is a legitimate, regulator-overseen organisation. It is registered for: arts/culture/heritage/science. Its latest reported income was £227,772 (year ending 2025-03-31). CharityCompare shows its official register record below; a Clarity Score is added automatically once detailed filing history is available. ## What are the key facts about Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust? Registered charity number 1163252 Status Registered (active) Charity type CIO Location High West Street Latest income (year ending 2025-03-31) £227,772 Website [shirehalldorset.org](http://shirehalldorset.org/) ## What does Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust do? The Shire Hall (Dorchester)Trust is an independent charity that operates the Historic Courthouse Museum at Dorset's Shire Hall. Our mission is to make Shire Hall into a place that engages visitors with the history of justice and injustice in Dorset and beyond. It inspires people to make a difference to society, politics, and justice for all. ## What causes is Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust registered for? Arts/culture/heritage/science ## Why is there no Clarity Score for Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust yet? The Clarity Score is computed from full financial filing history. Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust is on the official register but outside the detailed-filing group we currently score (or awaiting its first filings), so we show its official register record instead of a rating. Its score appears automatically once enough filing data exists — never by payment. [How scoring works](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/methodology) ## Is this your charity? Claim this profile free to add your own description, correct details, or respond publicly. Optional [partner plans](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/partners) add your logo, photos, verified badge and supporter features — claiming itself is always free and never changes any score. [Claim this profile — free](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/claim?charity=shire-hall-dorchester-trust&type=claim) [Visit charity website](http://shirehalldorset.org/) ## Frequently asked questions Is Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust a legitimate charity? Yes. Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust is a legitimate registered charity (charity number 1163252) regulated by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. You can verify it on the official register. Registration proves status — it is not a Clarity Score or an impact rating. What is Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust's charity number? Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust's charity number is 1163252. Check that number on the Charity Commission register or this CharityCompare profile before you donate. How do I check charity number 1163252? Search 1163252 on the Charity Commission for England and Wales register or on CharityCompare. Confirm the registered name matches the organisation asking for money — scammers sometimes reuse real charity numbers. What does Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust do? The Shire Hall (Dorchester)Trust is an independent charity that operates the Historic Courthouse Museum at Dorset's Shire Hall. Our mission is to make Shire Hall into a place that engages visitors with the history of justice and injustice in Dorset and beyond. It inspires people to make a difference to society, politics, and justice for all. Does Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust have reviews and complaints? CharityCompare does not host public user reviews for Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust. This basic profile confirms registration and register facts. Rated charities also show a filing-based Clarity Score. For formal complaints, contact the Charity Commission for England and Wales or the Fundraising Regulator as appropriate. How can I donate to Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust? Shire Hall (Dorchester) Trust's website is http://shirehalldorset.org — donate there directly so the charity receives the full amount. CharityCompare never takes a commission on donations. Source: Charity Commission for England and Wales register extract dated 2026-07-31, used under the [Open Government Licence v3.0](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/). Always verify current details on the [official register entry](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1163252).