News

children's hands turning the pages of two old dictionaries

Children Welcome!

We've been welcoming children since 1752, when 8-year old Francis Barber came to live with Samuel Johnson.

woodblock print of a man studying the stars and moon

Lamentable Tales, Merry Gestes and Pleasant Histories

Sunday 12 July. 12pm - 4pm. Free with admission. Storyteller and historian Dave Tonge explores the tales that filled Dr Johnson’s London.

A young child with blonde hair in a blue and white striped dress uses a white quill pen to write on a sheet of paper at a wooden table. Ink marks form a large, bold question mark. Other sheets of handwritten paper and several quills in an inkwell surround the child, capturing a hands-on moment of historic writing activity.

Kids Aloud!

Join our special drop-in timeslot with Art Fund, especially for families to explore our collection when children can be as loud and energetic as they like.

Family Fun Day at Dr Johnson's House

Saturday 5 April, 2pm - 4pm. Pay What You Can (booking required). Play word games, write with a quill and ink, dress up.

Free Family Fun Morning at Dr Johnson's House

Saturday 7 December, 10am - 12pm. Free (booking required). Play word games, write with a quill and ink, dress up and treasure hunt trail.