The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
A very interesting place to visit and learn more about the great man. Very knowledgable staff. An original copy of the famous dictionary can be seen on the top floor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had a wonderful time finding out so much more about Dr Johnson, especially his friendships with David Garrick and James Boswell.
We were greeted by a very amusing, enthusiastic and knowlegeable volunteer, who made our visit.
We were greeted by a very amusing, enthusiastic and knowlegeable volunteer, who made our visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the venue, I got a good insight into the promising lad from Lichfield rather than the great man of letters - but that was most fitting, as other Johnson museums (eg the London house off the Strand) complement with the later success.
It's the volunteers who make the place. And if you live in Lichfield, you can't but admire the enthusiam of both the Johnson Society and the Erasmus Darwin House society.
It's the volunteers who make the place. And if you live in Lichfield, you can't but admire the enthusiam of both the Johnson Society and the Erasmus Darwin House society.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is the perfect museum. I would say its good for adults and children - they seem to display the stuff so well and give a child-friendly narrative. As it was the house where Johnson grew up, it is quite small. There were loads of artefacts, and the whole thing makes you grateful for the age of enlightenment, the fact the printing press had by this point given these people access to all this information, and so interesting to hear about his life, his relationships and to see the first English language dictionary. The staff are such enthusiastic bunch and delighted in telling us that the word 'un-friend' appears in the dictionary, albeit with a slightly different meaning from today.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a really interesting museum which provides a real insight into the life of Johnson and his famous dictionary, and its free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth a visit. Make sure you see the dictionary on the top floor and try out the word definitions.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Didn't really have a lot of time spare on our visit to Lichfield however popped inot this museum. Received a very friendly welcome from the lady in the reception area. Lots of interesting things to see and will have to comer back and spend more time here to appreciate all the information on offer. All free and well worth the visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to visit - free - interesting items, changing exhibitions. Staff are really friendly - definitely recommend popping in if you have never been before.
Great dressing up for kids (and grown ups!). I have been several times over the years as it always has something new to offer. There are stairs (well it is an old building) so you may want to phone ahead if you have mobility problems)
When I took my son, a few years ago, I couldn't get him away from the dictionary - well kids just don't see them any more, he was fascinated and that says a lot these days!! Well done.
Great dressing up for kids (and grown ups!). I have been several times over the years as it always has something new to offer. There are stairs (well it is an old building) so you may want to phone ahead if you have mobility problems)
When I took my son, a few years ago, I couldn't get him away from the dictionary - well kids just don't see them any more, he was fascinated and that says a lot these days!! Well done.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had been to Lichfield before but had not visited this museum before. We were very glad we did so this time. The museum run by volunteers is a wonderful collection of books, paintings, furniture and personal belongings of the great man. It is laid out over several floors and is filled with interest. Housed in the former shop and home of his parents it is on a prominent corner site in the town centre. It is also free so a donation is essential to help maintain he property. Anyone visiting this lovely town should see this museum too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very good and a friendly person to greet you and explain the history of the person and place. A simple museum but we'll worth popping
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Much more here than I expected. Very interesting, not dull, and I learned a lot! Some of the rooms are quite small so a midweek visit was good with no crowding.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have lived in this area for over 65 years and never visited this building. It is wonderful. Lots to look at and lots of original artefacts. Everyone can learn a lot here, even me. I knew of Samuel Johnson, but I knew an awful lot more after this visit. Well worth the effort and the house is situated right in the main centre of Lichfield.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
For anyone interested in words and the English language this is a 'must'. An informative, welcoming museum.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were in Lichfield for the day celebrating our friend's birthday. We chose Lichfield as it has a bit of everything, good food, good shopping and good culture. It was approaching 3pm when we stumbled across the Samuel Johnson Museum and seeing as our friend studied writing at university we thought it thoroughly appropriate to have a look round!
Well, when we stepped through the big wooden door, we were met by the nicest two staff who ever worked in a museum! They were so funny and friendly and welcoming, without being overbearing and awkward. They gave us some brilliant facts about Johnson as well as asking us a few questions about ourselves then letting us explore the house on our own. It was very unexpected and was the reason behind our donation; there are areas throughout the museum to leave cash towards its running.
The museum itself is stunning, especially when you take into consideration how old it is and that Johnson's father built it himself. As you work your way through the rooms, they get more and more narrow and rickety which all adds to the atmosphere.
It doesn't take too long to reach the attic where there is a brilliant dressing up section for kids and grown-ups alike!
Despite only being there no more than half an hour, we were really glad we visited this unique little museum and after another chat with the staff members whilst we had a look through the book shop, felt as though we'd made a couple of new friends in Lichfield!
Well, when we stepped through the big wooden door, we were met by the nicest two staff who ever worked in a museum! They were so funny and friendly and welcoming, without being overbearing and awkward. They gave us some brilliant facts about Johnson as well as asking us a few questions about ourselves then letting us explore the house on our own. It was very unexpected and was the reason behind our donation; there are areas throughout the museum to leave cash towards its running.
The museum itself is stunning, especially when you take into consideration how old it is and that Johnson's father built it himself. As you work your way through the rooms, they get more and more narrow and rickety which all adds to the atmosphere.
It doesn't take too long to reach the attic where there is a brilliant dressing up section for kids and grown-ups alike!
Despite only being there no more than half an hour, we were really glad we visited this unique little museum and after another chat with the staff members whilst we had a look through the book shop, felt as though we'd made a couple of new friends in Lichfield!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Birthplace of famed lexicographer, writer and literary critic Samuel Johnson, a visit here is a must. The house itself has been sympathetically restored, with creaking floorboards adding to the atmosphere, and you will find much of interest, including a facsimile of his famous Dictionary, his well-worn armchair, and small breakfast table. I particularly liked the personal effects, such as his dainty china hot chocolate pot and cups - for a large gentleman, Dr. Johnson seems to have had some delicate sensibilities.
There is dressing up for children (sadly not for adults :-)) and much information on his life, times and works. The house has character and charm, overseen by a very knowledgeable and friendly custodian, and although donations are requested, it is free to enter.
A very agreeable visit!
There is dressing up for children (sadly not for adults :-)) and much information on his life, times and works. The house has character and charm, overseen by a very knowledgeable and friendly custodian, and although donations are requested, it is free to enter.
A very agreeable visit!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Samuel Johnson house and museum established within it. It is the original home of one of Lichfield's most famous 'sons' of the past. The literary genius achieved so much in his lifetime and this story is told in a DVD you watch whilst visiting the house as well as on numerous information boards. The house and museum at set out on five floors, from the small basement room to the attic and there are many things to see and appreciate in a relatively small space. Because five floors are involved, there are a lot of stairs to climb but for anyone not able to do this, the DVD is very informative. The ground floor serves as a bookshop and one could browse there for a long time. Entrance if free though donations are welcome. The staff are extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. The house is right in the centre of town and is well signposted.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As in Samuel Johnson's father's day, the ground floor is still a bookshop. The guides were helpful. The rooms tell the story of Samuel's life in Lichfield and in London. His silver shoe buckles can be seen close to pages from his dictionary. The room that he was born in can be visited.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free to visit and an interesting building in its own right. The home of Lichfield's celebrated son whose statue graces the Market Place, if you knew nothing about Samuel before your visit you come out "almost knowing his inside leg measurement!"
A tourist attraction well worth visiting.
A tourist attraction well worth visiting.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This beautiful house stands on the corner of market square and was originally a bookshop and is now a bookshop once again. We were welcomed in by a very friendly lady who gave us a few tips on what to see and then left free to roam. Entry is free but they do ask for donations. As you go round the boards on the wall tell you all you need to know and there is a dvd on a loop that you can watch to gain more information.
Many people came in whilst we were there but mostly looking for books so it is good to see that is obviously well loved by the locals and used often.
I would go back again if only for the lovely atmosphere.
Many people came in whilst we were there but mostly looking for books so it is good to see that is obviously well loved by the locals and used often.
I would go back again if only for the lovely atmosphere.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited Samuel Johnson's Birthplace Museum whilst wandering around Lichfield. Rather shamefully we knew very little about him before visiting but enjoyed roaming around the house, all five floors of it. It's not too big and has a special "trail" for children, very doable in an hour or so. Entrance is free as well.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We came here last week with an Australian visitor, and were very pleasantly surprised to find that admission is free! (Of course, donations are welcome.) The volunteer who received us was extremely friendly and welcoming, and keen to explain things.
The house is fairly small, with a couple of rooms on each of five levels, and the displays are well laid out, and with good explanations. There is an audio-visual room, but unfortunately we were somewhat pressed for time and weren’t able to view the film. However, since there is no admission charge, we certainly intend to return.
The house is fairly small, with a couple of rooms on each of five levels, and the displays are well laid out, and with good explanations. There is an audio-visual room, but unfortunately we were somewhat pressed for time and weren’t able to view the film. However, since there is no admission charge, we certainly intend to return.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting place with lots of History and things to see. Another free place to see and visit. Thank You
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I look after the fire alarm system at this site ,so know the place very well,it's very interesting historic place ,its very informative with lots of interesting rooms to view . I have got to know all the staff there and they are very warm inviting people ,that are so helpful and kind.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We happened upon this museum on our way to Lichfield Cathedral. It was free to enter. Inside it is laid out as an 18th century house in which you climb up to the top finding out about Samuel Johnson's life. There is a really interesting video presentation telling you about Johnson on the first floor and then you continue the visit finding out more details through the people friendly exhibits.
A lovely little museum. Another must when visiting Lichfield.
A lovely little museum. Another must when visiting Lichfield.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My mother lived a few hundred yards from the museum from 1987 and this was our first visit!
A fascinating insight into Dr Johnson and to Lichfield in the 18th Century.
We actually called in to book an Easter Holiday activity for our 9 year old
grandaughter which is called SPY SCHOOL
Perhaps a further review will be required after that takes place.
A fascinating insight into Dr Johnson and to Lichfield in the 18th Century.
We actually called in to book an Easter Holiday activity for our 9 year old
grandaughter which is called SPY SCHOOL
Perhaps a further review will be required after that takes place.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
