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Explore Samuel Johnson’s flawed yet determined efforts as a teacher, beginning with his short-lived school, Edial Hall, and later in his own household, focusing especially on his education of Francis Barber, the Black child he helped raise and who would become England’s first Black schoolmaster.

Anna Williams was Dr Johnson’s companion of 30 years. She lived with him in his house in Gough Square from 1752 and at his later Fleet Street residences until her death in 1783.

When Samuel Johnson married Tetty, in 1735, their partnership was not celebrated, Tetty was in her forties and a widow.