Dr Johnson’s House

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Nestled amongst the ancient courts and alleys in the historic City of London, Dr Johnson’s 1690s townhouse is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered! Samuel Johnson, the writer and wit – and most famous local resident – lived here in the mid-18th century, compiling his great Dictionary of the English Language.

The son of a bookseller from Lichfield, Johnson walked to London in 1737 in search of fame and fortune. While fortune evaded him, Johnson’s fame was assured with the publication of his Dictionary, from when he became known as ‘Dictionary Johnson’. Samuel Johnson never left London, declaring, ‘when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’!

17 Gough Square has survived many near misses over the last 300+ years (not least the Blitz!). The many original features include 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. The beautifully restored House and Johnson collections provide a window into the Age of Enlightenment.