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Museum Lates at Dr Johnson's House

Updated: Jul 24


A close-up of a polished wooden table set for a celebration with two ornate brass candelabras holding lit taper candles, and four glasses of sparkling wine. At the center of the table is a champagne bottle draped in an embroidered cloth featuring a historical design and the words "Gopsam and Lady Jean's Revels." Framed portraits hang on the pale green walls in the background, adding to the elegant and historical setting.

Thursday 21 August

5.30pm - 7pm

£16.95


Explore London’s literary past after-hours with a glass of prosecco and hear a short talk on Samuel Johnson and James Boswell's travels in Scotland in 1773.





Highlight Talk: 6pm

In the summer of 1773, accompanied by his friend and biographer, James Boswell, Johnson undertook a tour of Scotland and the Western Isles. His observations and discoveries were published two years later in a witty and entertaining travelogue. What Johnson didn't realise at the time, is that while he was focused on Scotland, Boswell was focused on him!


Drop by the Withdrawing Room at 6pm to hear more about Johnson and Boswell in Scotland. (The talk is 10-15 minutes duration)


Step inside Dr Samuel Johnson’s 17th-century townhouse, where the great lexicographer compiled his legendary Dictionary of the English Language in 1755. Wander through the historic rooms, soak up the atmosphere of London’s only surviving original townhouse in Gough Square, and discover the quirky words and witty definitions that still amuse us today—like hotcockles, jiggumbob, and twittletwattle!


With its period features, secret anti-burglary device, and a deep connection to London’s literary history, Dr Johnson’s House is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Join us for this exclusive after-hours experience and raise a glass to the man who famously declared: "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life."


Like many Londoners today, Samuel Johnson was not from London. The son of a bookseller in Lichfield (Staffordshire), Johnson walked to the capital in 1737 seeking fame and fortune. He never left. While fortune evaded him, Dr Johnson rose to become one of the greatest literary figures of the 18th century.


Dr Johnson's House is the only original historic townhouse still standing in Gough Square (just off Fleet Street), having survived the Blitz and developments. Built in the 1690s, shortly after the Great Fire of London, the five-storey House retains many of its period features, including a very quirky anti-burglary device! You can browse all the rooms and sit down on the chairs and window seats to soak up the atmosphere in what was still the tallest building in the area during WWII.


Doors open at 5.30pm. Drop off your coat or bag, grab a glass and explore the House!

There is no specific start time, but the Highlight Talk is at 6pm (for 10-15 minutes).

You are welcome to arrive and depart as you like between 5.30pm - 7pm.


Candlelight and glassed of prosecco on the table in Dr Johnson's withdrawing room. Museum Lates.


Accessibility

There is regrettably no step-free access to Dr Johnson's House.

There are seven steps to access the entrance (with a handrail).

The building is a four-storey townhouse with a staircase between each floor.

There are handrails on each side of the staircase and visitor seating in every room.

Toilets are located down a steep set of stairs.



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