Reviews of Dr Johnson's House. (Museum) in London (London).
Dr Johnson's House
17 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE, United Kingdom
Description
Information of Dr Johnson's House, Museum in London (London)
On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.
This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.
Map
Open hours of Dr Johnson's House
Sunday
Closed
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
11am–5pm
Saturday
11am–5pm
Reviews of Dr Johnson's House
B. T.Dr Johnson’s House is worth a visit when in the area. I wish there was a little more on his early life, but it did have nice dictionary-themed signage about the house, how he compiled the dictionary, and people he interacted with. You can also see a first edition copy in his library (just behind d the door), and the volunteer was super helpful and informative.
Be aware there are three flights of stairs and mildly uneven floors. The steps weren’t high (maybe 6”?) and there was a handrail, but perhaps a consideration for some.
G. R.Lovely gem of a museum, just off the beaten track but well worth a visit! It really gives a sense of what it might have been like to be having tea with Dr. Johnson himself, and the curators have a wealth of information about him. All the paintings , books, and other artefacts add to the atmosphere, do check it out!
T. L.My partner had an appointment on Fleet Street and I was waiting for him. I looked up things to do in the area and spotted Dr Johnson's House close by. I popped in to have a look around. The house itself is a stunning piece of architecture with a creaky staircase. The exhibition itself is basic, the rooms could do with styling to look more inviting and appealing. There isn't that much to see inside - a few paintings, the furniture is very sparse. They were in the middle of creating a new exhibition so some of the rooms were in a bit of a mess so hopefully it will improve. However, if you like historic houses, it is worth a visit. If you are in the area pop in for a quick view.
M. M.Anyone interested in one of England's greatest literary giants should visit his house. Only Shakespeare is quoted more than Dr Johnson. Some of his works are displayed around the house, including his famous dictionary. There are also paintings of him and a fine stained glass window depicting him with Litchfield Cathedral in the background. No lift so unsuited for wheelchairs.
m.This is the home that Dr Samuel John rented and lived in when he worked on Engish dictionary. There isn't a massive amount to see, but what's there is high quality and more it's it's historically important association with Samuel Johnson. Much of the exhibits are the furnishing and books written by Johnson especially his travel books and of course the nearest thing to an original copy of his "A Dictionary of the English Language"
The house is 3 storied with steep narrow staircase. Sadly, those with mobility issues are unlikely to be able to see much of the house. Each floor has at least one information card that will tell you about the floor as well as some of the items in the room. There is an audio guide available for £2 if ironically reading is not your thing.
The museum is not part of the national trust, national trust members get 50% discount. So do remember to take along your membership card. I had a my Scottish membership card and that was perfectly fine.
K. P.If a man is tired of Johnson he is tired of life.
Dr Johnson’s House is a time machine into 1750s. The house is full of genuine Georgian features. If you want to learn more about the dictionary, Georgian houses or just get a bit of house envy - this place is for you. There’s not many people inside, so you can feel free to roam around the place with your own pace - with an audio guide for additional £2.
V. L.I've wanted to visit Dr Johnson's House for a long time so was happy to have some time in between appointments to pop in. Much of the content seems to be about the caretakers of the house, rather than its eponymous former inhabitant but it was interesting and illuminating nonetheless.
Entrance is a little overpriced in my view but justified as a one off.
R. C.Fascinating place to visit. There's a lot of information provided on laminated sheets in each of the rooms. These give a real insight into Samuel Johnson, his home and life in London at the time.
There's also an audioguide available though we didn't try this.
J. A.As a linguist and aspiring lexicographer, I was absolutely in my element at this amazing historic house in the centre of London. It is very easy to find and is off the main road enough to keep the bulk of the tourists away. Very special learning more about the "Father of the modern dictionary" and his personal life and Anglican devotion.
T. g.What an absolute delight, just locating this building you have to walk down narrow streets and courts, the atmosphere you get is incredible. You get a real feel of the history of the area, and before you reach the building you are given a real treat with the memorial statue of Johnson's cat. The house itself is a real treat filled with lots of information about this great man. Not to the same standards of a mainstream musuem but still a real treat.
C. C.Samuel Johnson wrote the first great English dictionary and he is famous for the sentence “when you are tired of London, you are tired of life”. In the little square close to the house, there’s a monument of his cat Hodge. Here, I had the nice sensation that the time stopped long ago.
The house hasn’t a wheelchair access.
L. R.An excellent house museum showing what life was like when Dr Johnson wrote The Dictionary on site. Well interpreted with clear, informative signage and a fantastic audio guide! They also have temporary exhibitions and evening programs.
L. d.I love this little hidden gem. They have one of the most interesting series of events. I have been to a theatrical performance by Palimpest on how Dr Johnson would hold salon with his peers. Last week I went to learn about the Bluestockings literary circle of women writers. They just bring history to life in the most incredible way.
a. h.A real gem of a museum hidden away in the City of London. It is well worth making the effort to find it.
H. J.What a thrill to see the garret where Dr Johnson compiled his Dictionary. A lovely 4 storey house with kind stewards, fascinating stories and a quiet atmosphere leaving you free to investigate and wonder by yourself. Don't miss the amazing mobile panels which enabled one floor to be converted into two separate rooms and a hallway. Lots to look at and enjoy, stories to read, about Johnson and his world and the history of the museum. Small but very interesting range of books, cards, stationery etc in the museum shop. Toilet available in the basement (steep stairs). Well worth a visit. Three cheers for the London Volunteer Fire Service who battled to save the house during the Blitz; a great story of community co-operation as well.
N. G.Interesting exhibition. Took about one hour. Very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff.
E. C.Did a workshop with the curator of the museum as part of my uni course. Her name escapes me (sorry!), but she was incredibly knowledgeable about Johnson, his life and his works and was very engaging. The museum itself had some very unique pieces. Very quiet museum which is a little bit tucked away, but if you are interested in Johnson and his work (or even just writing from the time period) I would highly recommend it.
J. N.Gem of a museum in the heart of historic London. I spent nearly two hours there listening to stories told by a knowledge guide. A treat for those with an interest in the English language or London's 18th century history. There are well-written info sheets lying around that will give you plenty of information, and I saw some people walking around listening to an audio tour.
Y.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 a souvenir..
P. D.Charming small museum housed in an unspoilt 300+ year house. I visited with a group of school children and the curator was a delight with them. Ideal for a 30 minute tour or educational visit. Nice little gift shop too.
W. M.My rating is probably unfair and inaccurate since I didn't get to see inside. Over the Christmas period, hours are not standard. Fair enough. I made the mistake of trusting google and trekked over to a closed house. it wasn't even well marked as closed once we arrived. It would be helpful if the group that manages the house made sure google was accurate with opening times.
M. R.This is an excellent period house Museum. It has several floors with displays which cover Dr Johnsons life and work. Many of his books are on display. There are also period clothes which can be tried on and special events. Before visiting I suggest you check opening times because they do vary. Set aside a couple of hours to make the most of your visit. It is like stepping back in time.
V.Relished the opportunity to look up some rude words in Doctor Johnson's marvellous dictionary #fornicator
E. T.Characterful and informative, this was a delight. The house is not grand but it is charming and gives a good impression of how Dr. Johnson lived and worked. There are interesting exhibits, including some quirky and surprising ones e.g. about the house's 20th century curators and their role during the 2nd World War. Today's curator and volunteers were friendly and welcoming.
R. C.Love the bareness of it, uncrowded with furniture, and beautiful original features. Calm oasis to visit on 2 occasions now, to pay respects to Dr Johnson and his lovely Hodge. Soon will visit again.
C. W.An interesting and informative house to visit. It seemed in need of significant signposting- at least from Fleet Street. We used Google maps to locate it. Good guide cards available for a self guided tour of the house and helpful receptionists as well. Access for those who are less able is compromised by the house having steps and stairs, as part of its original fabric. Best accessed by walking from a train station or bus. A bus would get visitors closer.
A. M.Very interesting... learned a lot about the man and his idiosyncrasies.
S. A.Nice little museum where you get to learn about Dr Johnson and his efforts to create his fascinating dictionary. It's great fun to flip through the pages and find his witty commentary throughout the definitions and see how the meaning of certain words has changed over time.
Also don't forget to try on the costumes and pose for a few pictures!
B. B.An oasis of old London tucked away in the middle of the corporate centre of the modern city. The house is a testament to a sometimes little known but important figure in British history. Come and read the room details in each room to celebrate the best of what our country can be: fair, intelligent and humorous.
N. M. F.Nice place to visit and you can see the statue of his cat in the end of the street
K. 1.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 Arts in 1876.
m. a.Charming museum on Dr. Johnson and his life. He is perhaps not too well known in America anymore but definitely was a critical figure in the history of the English language. A quiet oasis in the City just off busy Fleet Street
R. B. -. E. k.Dr. Johnson was an 18th Century writer.
My Dad (deceased) was a great fan and was an avid reader of his works.
I remember him taking me here to look around Fleet Street in the days when newspapers were still being printed there.
There is not a huge amount to see and this part of London has been re-developed an enormous amount since that bygone era.
Yet this is a very important place for all Dr. Johnson fans and there were quite a lot of visitors making their way up there.
Really worthwhile visiting and James Boswell's "Life of Samuel Johnson" is a great read, and a landmark point in the art of writing a biography.
M. K.Lack of curation let's this museum down. There was very little to tell you of the life of Dr Johnson, and a limited selection of artifacts. The original first edition of Shakespeare and the dictionary are the best items here.
E. J.Fanatastic house hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Fleet Street. There is loads of information in all the rooms and the house itself is amazing. I was only there for an hour as I went during lunch at work. But could have spent more time there.
S. E.A liitle London gem, the house is an oasis of calm in a busy city. What you see is what you get. Walk around at your leisure and enjoy a slice of English literary history.
I. T.Large four story town house with interesting architecture and history. Located in a small square just off Fleet Street. Would recommend a visit to find out more about Johnson.
C. P.A wonderful morning with a really interesting guide -who told us many facts about the Doctor that was new to us. Four floors of delightful pictures and views of old London.
H. S.A quiet museum with lots of interesting information about Samuel Johnson.
H. Y.History of an English language dictionary worth knowing!
H. B.Great little gem hidden behind the hustle and bustle of Fleet street. A quiet understated haven of tranquility it stands as a monument to a great man and a quieter age.
H. D.Memorable house. The reception was very friendly and knowledgeable. I must admit that the exhibition had not my interest, the historic background was impressive
M. A.Interesting museum, National Trust members have to pay half normal fee which is slightly disappointing. Contents of house limited.
G. C.Samuel Johnson is the one that created the first English dictionary. A small museum about him and at the same time one of the finest examples of domestic houses in the 17th Century. 5 storey house, with a lot of factsheets to read further and a replica of the original dictionary. The most famous London quote; "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life" was actually written by him.
R. W.Interested in who made the first English dictionary then this is the place to come
A. M.Definitely not for the average tourist, but this quaint house has tons of history and is a cheap and quick sight to see for those that love all things history.
S. H.Very interesting and surprisingly filled with stuff for four small floors, but pricy (£6) for what it is especially compared to suggested donations at the big museums/galleries.
J. B.Not much in the way of technology, bit a fun visit nonetheless. Well documented, and we'll "artifacted", a good visit while doing Rick Steves walk in the old city.
B. D.Simply one of the best London destinations. A real gem tucked away off piste. Get there - you won't regret it.
C. B.Amazing little musuem and well worth a visit. Lovely and knowledgeable staff. Great venue for private hires too
S. L.Well worth a visit - old London as it used to be. What a fascinating area. Also visited St Brides in Fleet Street which is also worth a visit.
K. O.A little gem of a museum, tucked away just off Fleet Street. Plenty of original features , interesting exhibits.
J. P.Lovely place to visit and lots of information on all the exhibits. But beware, there's lots of stairs!
S. S.Well worth a visit. A gem of a little museum, compared to the nationals in London.
T. H.Don't forget to dress up like Dr. Johnson and his maiden lady and take some nice pictures. Be sure to visit his cat across the square. Pudge? Smoo? Can't remember the cat's name. Prolly Rick Slade.
L. B.Not quite what you expect but worth a visit and interesting to learn about Dr Johnson and his life. If you are in the area it's worth a visit
J. H.Not a huge amount to see, but nonetheless quite a special atmosphere, and a rare glimpse inside an original Georgian house. Obviously a must for fans of the great man.
J. C.Amazing place found by accident. Well worth a visit by all... London should really promote these places...
S. K.Great house for the readers of the "Life".
A. K.Very knowledgeable staff and a chance for an interesting look at some of the works of Johnson including an early dictionary.
P. D.Bigger than it looks, some books and pictures. Interesting house. Half price for NT members.
B. L.Very interesting and well presented. Find your way through the alleys and oat the statue oh Dr Johnson's cat
I. S.Very interesting, fascinating insight into the man, in a well preserved corner of old London surrounded by the rise of the new.
A. D.Looks good on the outside but unfortunately locked when I visited so can't really comment on the inside
R. J.An interesting, if low key, historical house.
P. W.Covid rules still in place. Fascinating place
J. H.Interesting history and exhibits. It could have done with more explanatory notices on the walls.
J. T.Evocative place. Fascinating to sit in the top floor room in front of enormous editions of Johnson's famed dictionary.
A. P.Amazingly preserved 18th century town house. Worth an hour browsing the books .
J. L.Museum was closed when I visited but the statue of Dr Johnsons cat is always there for pictures.
N.The house of popular internet meme... oh and also the writer of the first English dictionary. Well worth the visit.
m. N.interesting story how this house survived the ww2 bombings...amazing house
K. Y.A fine building from the Queen Anne period, home of the man who gave us the "Dictionary".
C. S.A small house, but fascinating. Refreshments would have been welcome.
L. G.Very Interesting piece of history hidden in the back streets of London.
D.Interesting that it's still extant but it is a little bare inside. Probably one for those who have more of an interest in Dr. Johnson.
G. P.5 star if you are a Dictionary nerd. I was. See definition of draught.
S. K.A little corner of 18th century London, just off Fleet St.
Quiet
A. V. G. F.Didn't got in
M. P.Just awesome. A must visit. Great knowledgeable staff.
A. G.If you want to know the origin of Dictionary, you must visit Dr. Johnsons house.
A. R.Amazing history in a cool little museum
J. H.Informative building about the man, tucked away down an alley
С. Е.Сrooked house from the poem
H. G.Very interesting historic place. Worth stopping by.
A. R.Interesting place but could do with some furniture.
Y. R.This is worth a visit. It's a surprisingly large house.
A. L. W.excellent if you love history of English language !
S. D.What a view from the cafe
C. S.Delightful little house right in the heart of London
L. L.It's ok .not very impressive
T. T.Loved it, love the history of the place
A.Tiny wonder surrounded by nowadays giants
R. K. B.For those who are interested in the man and his life.
J. M.Redolent of an age of pen and ink when Dr Johnson and his three assistants toiled over 9 years to assemble not the first but one of the. most comprehensive dictionaries of the English language. a small back court oasis of charm dignity and learning almost completely intact from a bygone age. Even the urchin proof front door with woman forged security chain is original. An absolute delight for lovers of history, the English language and the anecdotes, quotations and writings of the great man and his travelling companion/ biographer Boswell. Do not miss this when in London.
A. C.Loved the vegan pasties
T. V.not often that history is brought so startlingly to life as it does in this hidden step I to the life of the great raconteur and writer Dr Johnson. beautifully preserved by a dedicated trust who have kept a fantastic collection of furniture, books and art from the great man and his biographer Boswell. visit this time machine and be transported to a bygone London.
s. B.History was brilliant, worth looking for
R. T.very good
K. H.English heritage must see
S. D.Very nice, interesting place.
P. G.Fascinating house and a fascinating man
R. E.I love it
g. w.Hidden gem of London, a must see.
C. B.Great for private hire
M. M.Hodge the cat is wonderful!!!
P. D.Wonderful. Recommended
K. S.Lovely architecture
c. r.Ok
I. I.Quiet place with a great history
M. D.Sausage!
P. B.Cool museum
M. G.Wonderful
K. P.Well worth it
a. s.If your a fan
C. S.Fantastic find
A. W.Fascinating
P. M.Fascinating
E. B.(Translated) Very interesting to find a piece of history of eighteenth-century literature in the midst of the skyscrapers of the city! A visit that is worthwhile even if I was expecting a little more as a memorabilia ....
(Original)
Molto interessante trovare un pezzo di storia della letteratura del settecento in mezzo ai grattacieli della city! Una visita che vale la pena anche se mi aspettavo qualcosina in più come memorabilia....
M. E. P.(Translated) It's like taking a dip in the past. Little visited by tourists, but certainly of interest for those who love history.
(Original)
È come fare un tuffo nel passato. Poco visitata dai turisti, ma sicuramente di interesse per chi ama la storia.
В. Ш.(Translated) Monument to cats in the square in front of the house. Especially good.
(Original)
Памятник котикам на площади перед домом. Особенно хорош.
C. Y.
M. V.(Translated) In the middle of the streets is the doctor's house :)
(Original)
Kujien keskellä on tohtorin talo :)
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