Dr Johnson's House

Dr Johnson's House is a four-story brick townhouse in London with original details such as wood paneling, a central spiral staircase, and period wooden floors. The building spans multiple levels and offers insight into how an affluent London household was arranged during this era.

The scholar Samuel Johnson occupied the house from 1748 to 1759 and worked there on his groundbreaking dictionary containing over 40,000 entries. The residence became the center of his intellectual labor and the site of his most significant literary achievement.

The house displays exhibitions about Samuel Johnson's literary work and his personal possessions such as his writing desk and letters. Visitors can observe how this scholar lived and which objects surrounded him in his daily life.

Access to the house involves climbing several flights of stairs, so visitors with mobility concerns should take this into account. It is advisable to allow enough time to explore the various rooms and exhibitions at a comfortable pace.

A bronze statue of Hodge, Johnson's cat, sits outside the house holding an oyster in its paw, referencing a daily habit of the scholar. This small statue offers a charming tribute to the pet and reveals the more human side of this great thinker.

Location: City of London

Address: 17 Gough Square, London EC4A 3DE

Website: http://drjohnsonshouse.org

GPS coordinates: 51.51500,-0.10806

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52