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17 Gough Square: The 330-Year-Old Architectural Gem in Fleet Street Quarter


A downward view through the central shaft of a historic wooden staircase at Dr Johnson's House, showing multiple levels with dark-painted banisters, cream spindles, and carpeted steps. The wooden floorboards and architectural details evoke the building’s 18th-century character.

Lunchtime Lectures - Dr Johnson's House Series

Tuesday 24 June

12.30pm - 1.30pm

£3.96 (booking required)


Book now for this instalment of our monthly lunchtime lectures, part of an annual programme of talks held at Dr Johnson's House, kindly sponsored by The Fleet Street Quarter BID.





The whole of Gough Square was built in the 1690s - soon after the Great Fire of London - and funded by a City wool merchant, Richard Gough, who gave his name to the square. He and his family lived in number 17, originally the largest building in the area. The timber-framed, brick townhouse, was part of a development in Gough Square, of which Dr Johnson’s House at number 17 is the only one to survive.


Dr Samuel Johnson (1709–1784), one of the greatest literary figures of the eighteenth century, lived here when he compiled his famous Dictionary of the English Language, published in 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.


Join us at Dr Johnson's House, to learn about the unique architectural features of the last surviving Grade I listed historic townhouse in Fleet Street Quarter.


Your ticket includes the opportunity to look around Dr Johnson's House as well as a complimentary lunch from local business Dilieto on Fleet Street.


Lunch will be served at this event: please let us know 48 hours in advance, via an Eventbrite message, if you have any specific dietary requirements or have any allergies.




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