Samuel Johnson was born in 1709 in the cathedral city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. His father was a bookseller whose house is now the Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum. From his earliest days, Johnson’s life was blighted by ill health and poverty forced him to leave Pembroke College, Oxford without a degree. In 1735 he married Elizabeth Porter, a widow more than twenty years his senior.

In 1737 Johnson moved to London with his friend David Garrick, the actor, and tried to earn a living as a journalist, writing for The Gentleman’s Magazine. Johnson was commissioned by a syndicate of booksellers to write the first comprehensive Dictionary of the English Language in 1746. He rented 17 Gough Square and with the help of his six amanuenses compiled the Dictionary in the garret. It was published in 1755.

After the death of Johnson's beloved wife, the Jamaican servant Francis Barber came to live with him in Gough Square. Many friends were entertained at the house, including Joshua Reynolds, Charles Burney and the Blue Stocking Elizabeth Carter. Johnson often gave shelter to friends in need. The famous "Club" was formed, with friends such as Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke. In 1763, Johnson met a young Scottish lawyer named James Boswell, who later became the best known of Johnson’s biographers.

Johnson’s edition of Shakespeare was published in 1765 and his Lives of the Poets in 1779-81. He died in 1784 and is buried at Westminster Abbey.

History of the House

When the House was purchased by the Liberal Member of Parliament Cecil Harmsworth in 1911 it was derelict and dilapidated. Harmsworth restored the House to its original condition and opened it to the public in 1912. At the same time, a cottage was built as the Curator's residence. The City of London suffered extensive damage during the Second World War and Dr Johnson’s House was nearly destroyed on three occasions during the bombing of 1940-41. The House was saved by the courage of the Auxiliary Fire Service, who were using the House as a rest centre and arts club.

The House is run by the Dr Johnson’s House Trust and the present Lord Harmsworth is the Chairman of the Board of Governors.

Personality of the Month

Sarah Siddons (1755 - 1831)

Siddons was the star of the London stage in the latter part of the 18th century.  She came from Brecon in Wales and was born into an acting dynasty.  Following six years acting on the provincial circuit she gained success at Drury Lane theatre in 1774.  For the next 20 years she ruled the London stage, specialising in tragic Shakespearean roles, and was particularly associated with the part of Lady Macbeth.  Unlike many of her actress counterparts, Siddons managed to retain her respectability throughout her career and was credited with raising the moral standards of the profession.  She met Dr Johnson at his home in Bolt Court in 1783, and event immortalised by the Victorian artist W.P. Frith in his painting on display in the House.  Siddons officially retired from the stage in 1812 and died in 1831.