The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
More fantastic history in Lichfield. See the birthplace of the 1st dictionary's author. See how he lived as a child, his subsequent history and be transported back to the past. A treasure hunt for kids too!
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Interesting and free
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Great museum showing the life and works of a unique individual. Friendly staff and exhibits are very informative.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We were welcomed by the friendly lady on reception who informed us about the house. I came away knowing much more about Johnson and with respect for his outstanding talent. The video presentation is just the right length and is pitched very well. Not suitable for those who cannot climb stairs, but there is a good virtual guide on the ground floor.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An interesting museum and bookshop dedicated to Samuel Johnson. The short film of his life was worth watching and as it was a Saturday there were children's craft workshops. There was also dancers of the period performing in one of the rooms. It was all free, the only thing we paid for was the mulled wine and mince pies.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There are five floors in this museum and each one is full of interest. There are some life size models of Johnson and his friends which give the feeling that the place is busy -indeed, one figure of Johnson leaning on the window sill is remarkably lifelike.. Displays have lots to interest children too. Downstairs there is a great bookshop selling new and secondhand books. The volunteer staff are friendly and helpful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love visiting this site. The reception lady knows very much about Samuel Johnson's life and his ideas. We enjoyed talking with her about who Samuel Johnsson was in different people's eyes through time.
The highest floor has a copy of Johnson's dictionary. Please take you time and read it!
The highest floor has a copy of Johnson's dictionary. Please take you time and read it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited with friends who were staying with us - can't believe we haven't been before. Really interesting museum, lots of local history as well as information about Dr Johnson's life and work. We all enjoyed the experience and would certainly visit again. And it's FREE !
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another of Lichfields free museum, well laid out - interesting displays and helpful and friendly staff. Its amazing how all the museums are free, Lichfield certainly want you to know about their history.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Well worth visiting to find out more about Samuel Johnson. The exhibits are set out across several floors so a bit tricky for anyone with mobility problems. There is a virtual tour available for anyone who cannot manage the stairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Have wanted to visit this famous old house for many years, and was not disappointed. Very warm welcome in the book shop at the entrance, lady who welcomed us was helpful and informative. Easy to imagine yourself back in Georgian times as house and contents very well preserved. Little games to keep young daughter interested and even 18th century dress-up for adults. Loved Lichfield and this house is definitely the highlight. We will be back!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having lived in the vicinity of Lichfield for 16 years and passing by every week i thought i'd bite the bullet and visit. It's a great way to pass some time. Over 5 floors (yes 5, doesnt look like it from the outside) detailing Dr Johnson life and works and he was a really interesting guy. There are lots of original artifacts to see and a really interesting 10 minute documentary telling you all about him and it mentions some other historic figures you will have heard of. Great book store on the ground floor as well, which is where it all began. Well worth a visit. Oh and don't forget to try on the dressing up clothes too. The wig is fab!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lived here all my life and never been in. Very informative. A lovely old building with loads of history and information to read and to listen to
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Go back in time see how he lived in the very house where he was born and became Englands greatest man of Letters. There is an introductory film that explains his life.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum was eady to find and well worth a visit. We learnt much about Smuel Johnson and we found the video in a first floor room a helpful introduction.The room where his father worked is kept as it was when Samuel Johnson lived and worked there so it is quite atmospheric . The receptionist was very helpful. Thank you! We recommend a visit here.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
From the first greeting from enthusiastic staff to end of our visit we were captivated - lots of detail about the early life of the great Dr Johnson and plenty to keep us interested.
Lots of stairs so perhaps not suitable for all but gave a real flavour of what life must have been like. Very central and lots of other places to see nearby. Thoroughly recommend a visit and will return as to much to take in in one go!
Lots of stairs so perhaps not suitable for all but gave a real flavour of what life must have been like. Very central and lots of other places to see nearby. Thoroughly recommend a visit and will return as to much to take in in one go!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We love this place: we take the kids in every other Saturday for the Bookworm club. The hardly knew any English when they first entered the club: the volunteers were patient, entertaining, adorable with them, and made them (further) love reading and playing in a new language. The house is in lovely 18th century building, with fine memorabilia of Samuel Johnson. The Bookworms club is a testament to his wish to inspire children to read and learn. The second-hand bookshop offers a very interesting selection, especially for people who love travel books and memoirs. The volunteers are the kindest and friendliest you could imagine. We love it there
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Called in as I haven't been for years, very interesting if you like this sort of thing, not just about Johnson but gives a good insight into life in Britain during his lifetime
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about Samuel Johnson and his work. A great plus was that the museums in Lichfield were advertised as free and had donations boxes available for those of us who were happy to provide a donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A real insight into his life and works. Well laid out and informative, allow plenty of time to peruse this fascinating place, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Warmly welcomed on arrival, the situation and siting of important objects are made known to you straight away. Interesting books surround you, with lovely rooms waiting beyond. Staircases are easy to negotiate and decor inside the rooms show older construction techniques. The upper floors hold the actual birth place of Samuel Johnson, with good, descriptive exhibits throughout. Some good and original paintings are hidden behind doors, while old coaching route maps are situated at doorways, making them harder to find or see without getting in people's way. Constructions techniques were demonstrated by small scaled wooden models being displayed, with sites given in Lichfield where that example could be found. This in itself helped us look at older buildings in Lichfield with renewed interest. We didn't find any toilets, staircases would pose challenges for pushchairs and mobility issues. SOme dressing up clothes were available on the upper floors, mainly for girls we thought. But for the enthusiast and book specialist, this was a very good visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
'Sam Johnson's' as it is affectionatly known locally, is the house where he was born and lived for a goodly part of his life. It has retained much of its origins including a tastefully presented garden with many of its original plants. The inside has been furnished as it would have been originally .Several exhibition pieces and artifacts have been introduced explaining Johnson's life & times as well as his career and achievements, notably including an edition of the original work. Quotations memorably adorn the walls. The ground floor has high quality books for sale in the sitting area. To view the house completely four flights of stairs are climbed!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I was greeted by a lovely lady on the front desk who quickly introduced the museum. Its a free museum and well worth a visit. They have made very effort to make it appeal to kids. The dictionary and challenge to find words was the highlight for me.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It doesn't take long to go around this interesting (free) museum - great to add to your day out in Lichfield
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Extremely interesting collection. Perhaps less so for the less literary types but a good attempt here to include a bit of social history, art and books from the period and a dressing up area.
Quite tiny so nothing could be done in too much details but is was covered well and the missing bits filled in with a good audio visual presentation.
Very helpful lady welcoming visitors and a comprehensive bookshop downstairs. The less able can take a virtual tour which is pleasing to see.
Quite tiny so nothing could be done in too much details but is was covered well and the missing bits filled in with a good audio visual presentation.
Very helpful lady welcoming visitors and a comprehensive bookshop downstairs. The less able can take a virtual tour which is pleasing to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
