Birthplace of Samuel Johnson, author of the first English Dictionary, with tours of the 1707 house.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a delightful gem in Lichfield. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, offering a charming glimpse into the life of one of England's greatest literary figures. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting--a must-visit for any history or literature enthusiast! Plus, the entry is for free [FREE]
A much bigger building than you first think. I spent about 90 minutes there, as there are 4 floors of information. We didn't realise at first but there is a "way round" following the information boards, starting in the basement and working upwards. To be honest I wasn't massively interested in SJ but it was quite interesting and worth learning about. The house itself is lovely and interesting with a view over the market. The book shop is okay and the lady there was informative and friendly.
Really appreciated the "Johnson in his century" exhibit on the second floor -- it's a simple thing but this type of formatting is just so effective in contextualising history (which can too easily be a muddle of names and dates). Also had fun using the ink blotter on the first floor and flipping through the dictionary facsimile on the top floor. I was pleasantly surprised to find that entry is free (given that it is a smaller museum far away from the London belt) and hope people donate generously. I came away with a greater interest in the man behind the first definitive English-language dictionary and would happily visit again. In the meantime, I'm off to visit its London counterpart, 17 Gough Square (and Hodge the Cat)!
This museum is free. You can leave a donation if you wish to. Very interesting. Over 5 floors but as it is inside a house with bookshop on ground floor, stairs very narrow as befitting for the age of the building. Learnt a lot about Samuel Johnson. I would probably go again.
A very interesting and free place to visit, I really appreciated the remarkably friendly gentleman who was happy to share information about almost everything related to Lichfield and Dr. Johnson. Lovely second-hand bookshop too.
A lovely free museum (there is an honesty box to contribute if you wish) in the centre of Lichfield. Some interesting information about the life of this great man and a few artefacts including a copy of his original dictionary.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Restaurant
Toilets
Good for kids
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The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a delightful gem in Lichfield. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, offering a charming glimpse into the life of one of England's greatest literary figures. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting--a must-visit for any history or literature enthusiast! Plus, the entry is for free [FREE]
A much bigger building than you first think. I spent about 90 minutes there, as there are 4 floors of information. We didn't realise at first but there is a "way round" following the information boards, starting in the basement and working upwards. To be honest I wasn't massively interested in SJ but it was quite interesting and worth learning about. The house itself is lovely and interesting with a view over the market. The book shop is okay and the lady there was informative and friendly.
Really appreciated the "Johnson in his century" exhibit on the second floor -- it's a simple thing but this type of formatting is just so effective in contextualising history (which can too easily be a muddle of names and dates). Also had fun using the ink blotter on the first floor and flipping through the dictionary facsimile on the top floor. I was pleasantly surprised to find that entry is free (given that it is a smaller museum far away from the London belt) and hope people donate generously. I came away with a greater interest in the man behind the first definitive English-language dictionary and would happily visit again. In the meantime, I'm off to visit its London counterpart, 17 Gough Square (and Hodge the Cat)!
This museum is free. You can leave a donation if you wish to. Very interesting. Over 5 floors but as it is inside a house with bookshop on ground floor, stairs very narrow as befitting for the age of the building. Learnt a lot about Samuel Johnson. I would probably go again.
A very interesting and free place to visit, I really appreciated the remarkably friendly gentleman who was happy to share information about almost everything related to Lichfield and Dr. Johnson. Lovely second-hand bookshop too.
A lovely free museum (there is an honesty box to contribute if you wish) in the centre of Lichfield. Some interesting information about the life of this great man and a few artefacts including a copy of his original dictionary.
