The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
We called in here as part of a short stay in Lichfield. The staff/volunteers had an excellent knowledge of Mr Johnson's history and the house was amazing. Stairs would be a bit of a challenge for those unsteady on their feet just as the front entrance would be but there is a wealth of knowledge and history here that is difficult to take in, in one visit. Next time we're back in Lichfield we will go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A gem of a place and absolutely not to be missed if in Lichfield. In fact, had I known that I could indulge my curiosity apropos actually using a Quill pen, I would have gone long ago for that alone. The 'meet and greet' by the gentleman who was on duty that day was very helpful and not at all intrusive. The building is so well kept and presented that it is somewhat eerie at times, and it contains an absolute wealth of information and detail that managed to inform and entertain at the same time. I and my friends were all totally engrossed in the Quill Pen incident - so much easier than I had ever imagined. The detail presented of Dr Johnson's association with David Garrick, the creation of the first dictionary and the scope of his work is hugely absorbing.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Situated over 5 floors, you go in at 1st floor, reception area / gift shop area left hand side. Books to right hand side.
Up on next floor is where you get to watch the 12 min video detailing the life of Samuel Johnson, very informative.
Nice display on various floors, plus clothes to dress up in.
Museum / house is free to visit, donations can be given.
Nice place about a local boy from the area.
Up on next floor is where you get to watch the 12 min video detailing the life of Samuel Johnson, very informative.
Nice display on various floors, plus clothes to dress up in.
Museum / house is free to visit, donations can be given.
Nice place about a local boy from the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Made to feel very welcome as soon as we entered the house by the man on reception
Very interesting and informative...dare I say...far more so than London house.
I also don't understand why it is free!
Dvd sets the scene well
There were some children's crafting activities going on whilst we were there too
Definitely worth a visit if in Lichfield
Very interesting and informative...dare I say...far more so than London house.
I also don't understand why it is free!
Dvd sets the scene well
There were some children's crafting activities going on whilst we were there too
Definitely worth a visit if in Lichfield
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a very interesting time, the assistants gave veryknowlegable information. It's a museum so don't think it would be suitable for young children
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the house where Samuel Johnson was born. It is set out over four or five floors, people with walking difficulties please note. The attendant was friendly and informative and gave us a leaflet explaining what could be seen there. All very interesting and well presented. There wasn't any admission charge which was a bonus, and must be worth a fiver of anyone's money.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I entered the bookshop where I was given an explanatory leaflet by the enthusiastic attendant. There are five levels with fairly steep stairs. The Johnson story is well told and the displays are nicely executed. I left a donation as I departed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The staff were informative and friendly. All the rooms were interesting and details printed on cards in each room. There was also a short film to give more information about Samuel Johnson. There was a book shop in the entrance with a very pleasant gentleman who was also able to answer any questions. Second hand books were also for sale.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Tall thin building, worth working your way to the top to see the copy of the famous dictionary. My knowledge of Samuel Johnson was previously only gleaned from Blackadder, so now I know a little more. It’s free so why not visit while you are in the area, it won’t take long.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although I have been an admirer of Dr Johnson for many years, I’m afraid to say that I had no idea that the author of the famous dictionary was actually born in Lichfield. Imagine my immediate delight to find that there was a museum to the great man in the town, and what a fine tribute to this great genius it is. I spent 30 minutes in there, although I wish I had spent more. There is a particularly fine film which only lasts about 12 minutes outlining the life of Dr Johnson, but other artefacts are there as well, and are very interesting. The gentleman in charge of the museum was also an enthusiast, and his interest for his subject made the visit even more enjoyable. I will certainly be visiting Lichfield again, if only to come back to this wonderful museum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to while a way an hour or two and brush up on your history and knowledge about Samuel Johnson
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have to say this is a pretty average museum. It is certainally interesting and a diverting place to spend half an hour and if you have any interest in the good doctor do visit. It is set over several floors and does offer an oversight into his life.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ok its not the biggest museum ever but very interesting and the staff were really helpful. The gardens were a treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Right in the centre of Lichfield's market place is this
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Worth a visit but the stairs can be difficult to navigate for anyone having difficulty in walking. Best to take one flight slowly. Staff very helpful. Some very interesting items on display which provides a better understanding of Mr Johnson's work. He must have been a formidable person to have met in those far off days.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although I studied the life and work of Dr. Johnson many years ago as part of my English degree, I remembered very little about him apart from his famous dictionary, and his habit of writing very long sentences! Visiting his house was first on our list of things to do in Lichfield, and we were not disappointed.
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a free museum and provides some interesting insights into the life of Samuel Johnson. Dr. Johnson was the author of a famous 2 volume English dictionary. There is a copy you can check out here on site. This building originally housed the book store that Samuels father ran, and the living quarters where he grew up. Takes an hour or so to go through the museum. One warning: lots of step stairs to climb, and no elevator.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set in Johnson's original Lichfield house, the museum attempts to create the different phases of Johnson's life in different rooms. The display's were interesting, but it did seem to gloss over the dictionary and his other famous writings.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting small house and museum. The lady on reception was very knowledgable and friendly. There are many artefacts from Samuel Johnson's lifetime. The most fascinating is one of his original dictionaries in pride of place on the top floor. Recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set on 4 floors, this is a very interesting house. There is a video showing his life and times, which is informative. There is also the First Edition of his famous dictionary (vol i and ii) in a glass case, and a facsimile of the same by the side for you to look at.
When we got home we had to watch Blackadder III, episode 2. LOL.
When we got home we had to watch Blackadder III, episode 2. LOL.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited as it was free and had time to explore and glad we did it was an interesting place and we found out more about Samuel Johnson and was very pleased to find out that the video all about him and the timelines had captions for deaf and hard of hearing people.. It certainly was well laid out and interactive and a good interest for those who have read his books.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a fantastic museum for all ages to enjoy. Kevin is one of the volunteers and he is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We went through right before a group of school kids were about to come through. He gave us loads of history and told us where to go to not be in their way.
There are multiple floors with some very interesting displays. There are beautiful paintings in every room/hallways, and loads of activities for everyone from dressing in traditional clothing to writing. The ground floor is a used bookstore with hundreds of unique books.
It’s a free museum and well worth the hour or so spent learning about Samuel Johnson and his family.
There are multiple floors with some very interesting displays. There are beautiful paintings in every room/hallways, and loads of activities for everyone from dressing in traditional clothing to writing. The ground floor is a used bookstore with hundreds of unique books.
It’s a free museum and well worth the hour or so spent learning about Samuel Johnson and his family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
On a day out in Lichfield, we came across this small museum and what a fascinating place. Staff were very friendly and welcoming and advised us on the order we should go around the museum. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Plenty to see and do ( even for children) in this beautiful old house in the centre of the City.The staff are very helpful and well informed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited a while ago-really good for children but such an informative treasure place. Need to visit while it's still free-fantastic if you're on a budget parents, with cathedral and park nearby!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
