The Life and Exploits of ‘Faithful Servant Frank'
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 12
Lunchtime Lectures - Dr Johnson's House Series
Tuesday 29 September
12.30pm - 1.45pm
£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.
'Faithful Frank' lived just off Fleet Street. He is better known as Francis Barber, servant, friend, and heir of Samuel Johnson, the creator of the Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
Barber's life story has been documented by others using a compilation of comments and observations made by friends of Samuel Johnson. Not all were favourable. He would have been referred to as Francis, Frank, or in more cruder terms. Johnson’s biographer James Boswell referred to him as 'honest Francis'.
In this lecture, Angela considers Francis Barber's life story alongside those of other Black men and women of 18th-century London, creating a frame through which we can consider what Barber's life may have been like.
Angela Morgan
Angela Morgan is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. She is very interested in the history of the lived experience of Black people in London during the 18th century.
This is the first of two lunchtime talks celebrating the life of Francis Barber. Next time, join Angela for a guided walk around the lanes and courtyards of old Fleet Street as Barber would have known them. Check back soon for details.
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.
A sandwich lunch (meat, fish, vegetarian, vegan) along with fresh cut fruits, and bottled water will be served at this event. Please be advised that we are unable to guarantee that the food provided is free from allergens.
