Museum Lates at Dr Johnson's House

Thursday 23 October

5.30pm - 7pm

£16.95

Explore London’s literary past with prosecco and a short talk on Samuel Johnson and David Garrick’s walk to London seeking fame and fortune.

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Highlight Talk: 6pm

Like many Londoners today, Samuel Johnson was not from London. Born in 1709, Johnson was the son of a bookseller in Lichfield (Staffordshire). The family were not well off and although Johnson gained admission to Pembroke College, Oxford, he had to leave after just 13 months as his parents could not afford the fees.

In 1737 Johnson set out on foot for London with his young friend David Garrick, later to become the greatest actor of the age. Johnson sought fame and fortune, and though riches eluded him, he rose to become one of the greatest literary figures of the 18th century.

Drop by the Withdrawing Room at 6pm to hear more about Johnson and how he came to be known as 'Dictionary Johnson'! (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."

A Hidden Gem from 1690s London

A stone’s throw from St Paul’s and St Bride’s in the City of London, Dr Johnson's House is one of London’s best-kept secrets. Built in the 1690s, soon after the Great Fire of London, the five-storey house at 17 Gough Square has survived many near misses over the last 300+ years (not least the Blitz!).

The house retains many original 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.

Amble down the old lanes off Fleet Street and you’ll find this hidden gem. Walk through the charming little garden, up the steps and push open the door and prepare to be enchanted!

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.

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.