Welcome to the House of Words
Dr Johnson's House was the home of Samuel Johnson when he compiled his seminal Dictionary of the English Language 1755. This publication was of crucial importance in the development of the English language and the House is an open window into the Age of Enlightenment
Word of the Week
Desk. n.s. [disch, a table, Dutch.] An inclining table for the use of writers or readers, made commonly with a box or repository under it.
Not the desk with silver nails,
Nor bureau of expence,
Nor standish well japann’d, avails
To writing of good sense.
Swift.
Hodge the Cat
The statue facing 17 Gough Square commemorates the house's most famous quadruped resident, Hodge, Samuel Johnson's cat.
More
Fry's Desk
Our Patron, Stephen Fry, Ruminates on the Meaning of Desks at the Launch for Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary
Hear the Latest
Visit our News section to hear about the latest developments such as Stephen Fry agreeing to be our Patron, grants being awarded to support our work, and our partnership with Oxford University.
Learn and Excell
We offer educational workshops six days a week in the House as well as materials to be used in the classroom. We have workshops for all age from preschool to U3A.
How You can Help
As a small, independent charity with a very tight budget, charitable support is essential to achieving modest projects that will make a significant impact. Use the link below to see how you can help.