Museum Lates at Dr Johnson’s House

Description

Enjoy an evening in Dr Samuel Johnson's 17th-century house and explore his wonderful world of words with a glass of bubbly.

Like many Londoners today, 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 and compiled his seminal A Dictionary of the English Language at his home in Gough Square, published in 1755.

Johnson's Dictionary contains some witty definitions and words that sound strange - and funny! - to their ears today, such as HOTCOCKLES, JIGGUMBOB and TWITTLETWATTLE. Dr Johnson is regularly quoted today, and is famous for his love of London, not least when he observed, 'when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life'.

Soak up the atmosphere

Dr Johnson's House is the only original historic townhouse still standing in Gough Square, having survived the Blitz and developments. Built in the 1690s, shortly after the Great Fire of London, the four-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.

Date

This event last took place on: Thu 23rd Jan 2025

Location

Dr Johnson’s House
17 Gough Square
London
EC4A 3DE

Prices

Contact and Booking Details

More information at this website.

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Disclaimer

The information and prices in this listing are presumed to be correct at the time of publishing, but please always check with the venue before making a special trip.

All images are supplied by the exhibition organiser.