Dr Johnson’s House, just north of Fleet Street, is one of the oldest surviving residential houses in the City of London. In the mid-18th century, it was home to Dr Samuel Johnson, who is noted as the second most-quoted Englishman, after William Shakespeare.
Built in 1700, this house just north of Fleet Street is one of the oldest surviving residential houses in the City of London. In the mid-18th century, it was home to Dr Samuel Johnson, who is noted as the second most-quoted Englishman, after William Shakespeare.
Dr Johnson had 17 known addresses in London, which is why there is why there is also another house around the corner with a plaque saying that he lived there. This is the house in which he lived between 1748 and 1759 and where he compiled the first comprehensive English Dictionary.
The house contains a museum dedicated to Samuel Johnson’s life and to the English language.
What to see in Dr Johnson’s House
The 18th-century Georgian townhouse is simply furnished, much as it would have appeared when Dr Johnson compiled his dictionary.
The library, in which is believed to have been Dr Johnson’s bedroom, and also the garret where his dictionary was written are both worth a look.
Two copies of his dictionary, out of 2000 that were printed, are kept at the house. You can read some of the witty entries (such as “oats: a grain which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people” and “excise: a hateful tax levied upon commodities and adjudged not by the common judges of property but wretches hired by those to whom excise is paid”).
Dr Johnson was acquainted with many notable Londoners of the era and the audio guide (which is available for £2) delves deeper into his life and his place in London society.
There is a statue of Hodge, Dr Johnson’s cat, in the courtyard in front of the house.
Visiting Dr Johnson’s House
Dr Johnson’s House is located on Gough Square, just behind Fleet Street. It is just a five-minute walk from City Thameslink station and an eight-minute walk to Chancery Lane tube station or Blackfriars station.
The house is not wheelchair accessible.
Nearby attractions include the Courtauld Gallery, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Smithfield Market and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Afterwards, why not pop into the nearby Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese for a pint or two. It is only a two-minute walk away.
You should allow 1– 1½ hours for your visit.
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