The Life and Exploits of ‘Faithful Servant Frank': Walking Tour
Updated: 6 hours ago
Lunchtime Lectures - Dr Johnson's House Series
Tuesday 27 October
12.30pm - 2pm
£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 using a compilation of comments by friends of Samuel Johnson and their observations. Not all were favourable. During this walk, you will hear Barber’s life story alongside those of other Black people like him in 18th-century London, and get a sense of what life really was like for them.
Join Angela Morgan for a walk through the lanes and courtyards of old Fleet Street Quarter, where Frank lived and worked. See the places that are still here today that Barber would have seen or visited in his day.
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.
Celebrating Francis Barber This event forms part of our celebration of the life of Francis Barber, friend, servant, and heir to Dr Samuel Johnson.
A City of London Blue Plaque commemorating the life and legacy of Francis Barber was installed at 17 Gough Square on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
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.
