City of London Blue Plaque Honours the Life of Francis Barber
Updated: 20 hours ago
City of London unveils Blue Plaque Honouring Francis Barber and relaunches its historic blue plaque scheme in Fleet Street Quarter
On Tuesday 15 September 2026, two celebrations took place here at 17 Gough Square: the first, being the unveiling of a new blue plaque honoring Francis Barber - servant, friend and heir of Samuel Johnson; and with this, the City relaunched its Blue Plaque Scheme on the 150th anniversary of its oldest plaque which commemorates Dr Samuel Johnson.
Francis Barber
Francis Barber, a West African man born into slavery in Jamaica, lived in Gough Square during the 18th-century and was employed as the servant of Dr Samuel Johnson, the creator of the Dictionary of the English Language (1755). Johnson showed great affection for Barber throughout his life, supporting him and his family, and securing his future. Most notably, Johnson named Francis Barber as the sole heir and beneficiary of a Trust established in his Will. Barber later became the first known Black school teacher in British history.
City of London Blue Plaques Scheme
The relaunch of the City of London Blue Plaques Scheme marks an exciting new chapter in celebrating the people, places and stories that have shaped the Square Mile. Refreshed with clearer guidance, a transparent new application process and a new expert panel, the scheme has been redesigned to be more open, accessible and representative with Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at its heart.
Historic Fleet Street Quarter
Dr Johnson’s House museum is located in the heart of Fleet Street Quarter, a district synonymous with the written word, publishing and storytelling for centuries. Samuel Johnson was its most famous resident writer when he lived in the area in the 18th-century.
Now home to a diverse community spanning residents, businesses and cultural institutions, Fleet Street Quarter BID works alongside partners to bring people together and celebrate the area’s heritage. This event marks a historic moment for the area and the Square Mile as a whole, while forming part of a wider programme of cultural activity across Fleet Street Quarter, providing opportunities for new communities to discover the unique cultural history of the neighbourhood.
