At 17 Gough Square in the City of London, this late-17th-century townhouse is where Samuel Johnson lived and worked in the 18th century. Johnson compiled his Dictionary of the English Language in the garret, now part of a museum with restored rooms and a research library. Look for original panelling and the staircase, manuscripts in Johnson’s hand, portraits, and his walking stick. Interactive displays and a QR-code audio guide help bring the house and its collection into focus, especially for visitors interested in literature or history.
The house and its original details
Dr Johnson’s House is a late-17th-century townhouse on Gough Square, and the only surviving original home on the square. Samuel Johnson lived and worked here in the 18th century. The restored interiors preserve original features, including Virginia pine panelling and the staircase.
The rooms contain objects connected with Johnson and his contemporaries. Look for manuscripts written in Johnson’s own hand, portraits and the writer’s walking stick. A research library and displays about his life add context to the house and its collection.
Johnson’s dictionary workroom
Johnson compiled his Dictionary of the English Language in the garret workroom. This upper room connects the house directly to the research behind the dictionary, while exhibits elsewhere include its first editions.
Interactive activities help visitors engage with Johnson’s work. A QR code gives access to an audio guide for more information as you move through the house. The collection is particularly suited to visitors interested in literature and history; the townhouse is small, so the visit centres on its rooms and objects.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Dr Johnson's House?
It is at 17 Gough Square in the City of London.
What can you see at Dr Johnson's House?
The townhouse has restored interiors, original panelling and a staircase, manuscripts, portraits, Johnson’s walking stick, a research library and displays that include first editions of his dictionary.
Where did Samuel Johnson compile his dictionary?
He worked on the Dictionary of the English Language in the house’s garret.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. You can access it by scanning a QR code.
