Dr Johnson's House — Attraction in London

Dr Johnson's House is a writer's house museum in London in the former home of the 18th-century English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson. The house is a Grade I listed building. Built at the end of the seventeenth century by wool merchant Richard Gough,(died 1728) it is a rare example of a house of its era which survives in the City of London (this refers only to the 'Square Mile' of the City area, as there are many other houses of this period elsewhere in Greater London) and is the only one of Johnson's 18 residences in the City to survive. Four bays wide and five stories tall, it is located at No. 17, Gough Square, a small L-shaped court, now pedestrianised, in a tangle of ancient alleyways just to the north of Fleet Street.

Johnson lived and worked in the house from 1748 to 1759, paying a rent of £30, and he compiled his famous A Dictionary of the English Language there. In the 19th century, it saw use as a hotel, a print shop and a storehouse. In 1911, it was purchased by newspaper magnate and politician Cecil Harmsworth, who later commented: "At the time of my purchase of the house in April 1911, it presented every appearance of squalor and decay … It is doubtful whether in the whole of London there existed a more forlorn or dilapidated tenement." He restored the house under the direction of architect Alfred Burr and opened it to the public in 1914. It is now operated by a charitable trust, Dr Johnson's House Trust Ltd. The house features panelled rooms, a pine staircase, and a collection of period furniture, prints and portraits. There are exhibitions about Johnson's life and work. The house has a commemorative plaque installed on its exterior by the Royal Society of...

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of London's historic City, Dr. Johnson's House offers a charming escape into the life and times of Samuel Johnson, the 18th-century literary giant. Stepping through the threshold of this Grade I listed townhouse is like stepping back in time, transporting you to a world of quill pens, inkwells, and vibrant intellectual discourse.

As you ascend the creaky wooden staircase, the house unfolds its story room by room. The restored study, where Johnson toiled over his dictionary and hosted lively gatherings of literary luminaries, is a particularly evocative space. His worn armchair, inkwell, and vast collection of leather-bound books whisper tales of intellectual rigor and passionate debate.

While the house celebrates Johnson's monumental achievement, the "Dictionary of the English Language," it delves deeper into his multifaceted life. Exhibits explore his friendships with fellow giants like Boswell and Garrick, his love for tea and conversation, and his witticisms that still resonate today.

Despite its central location, Dr. Johnson's House feels like a hidden gem. The tranquil courtyard, a sun-drenched haven amidst the urban bustle, provides a space for quiet reflection or lively conversation, just as it did for Johnson and his circle.

Whether you're a literary enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique and charming escape in London, Dr. Johnson's House is a must-visit. It's a place where the past whispers in the creaking floorboards, the wit of a literary giant still hangs in the air, and the power of words comes alive like...

This is a truly unique gem in the centre of London. Barely a stone's throw from the bustle of Fleet Street, Dr Johnson's house feels like the kind of attraction normally found in small towns around the UK. From the moment you ring the buzzer to gain entry you can feel that you're in for a little treat as the door opens and the slightly musty smell greets you - this is clearly not a major hot spot for the throngs of tourists that roam the capital. It's important to be aware that this isn't a museum, nor does it claim to be. There are only one or two genuine artefacts within that could be directly linked to Dr Johnson, but this isn't really important when you consider you are actually inside the house where the great man lived and worked during the period in which he produced the masterpiece for which he is best known. I have read elsewhere that the trustees who initially secured the ownership of the building went out of their way to avoid gathering memorabilia to display (most notably his death mask, which they declined as it was thought to be 'too gloomy'!) instead preferring the space to be used for research and reflection. I loved my visit here and left very happy, particularly as my kids 'won' a bookmark and a postcard after successfully finding the definition of the house's Word Of The Day ('jiggumbob') in the copy of Dr J's dictionary that was laid out upstairs in the garret. I was also delighted with the tea towel my wife bought as...