The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
I confess that it is difficult to visit this place without recalling Blackadder's Ink and Incapability with Robbie Coltrane starring as Dr Johnson. However, having had a most entertaining hour visiting his birthplace and museum, I was surprised to see how accurate some observations were in the Blackadder script (not the made up words, obviously!) and how similar in features Robbie Coltrane is to Dr Johnson's portrait. Simply, for anybody that enjoys history and has a fascination for how we came to be where we are now, this museum is a must and you will leave better informed than when you entered!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Centre of Lichfield city,all you need to know about Dr.Johnson.There are two flights of stairs to the various parts of the house,No access for wheel chairs,and not recommended for anyone with walking difficulties.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I didn't know anything about Samuel Johnson before I went to the museum, but an hour and a half later I was an expert! My friend and I were welcomed into the museum by an enthusiastic member of staff who was knowledgeable about Samuel and passionate about sharing her interest of him, but not at all pushy. We were delighted and surprised that the museum is free as there is a lot to see and do in the small space available. I was pleased to see activities available for children too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place is well worth a visit & is in honour of the man who wrote the first dictionary. Very educational with fun stuff for the kids to find on the way round. The staff were first class (even pointing out a possible TARDIS in one of the paintings. Ask them for more details !!! ) and I really liked this place. Would go again and recommend anyone in Lichfield to go too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Another educational tour all in the heart of Lichfield, explore the home of the forefather of the English dictionary. Great way to spend an hour even, and it's got great activities for the children to get involved with as well whilst touring the house
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I never realised how prolific Samuel Johnson was. What a prodigious effort from a person of a humble and difficult beginning!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Useful video presentation setting the context. The museum is in an pld house so not accessible, lots of steps. Liked the booksale too.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A very interesting and informative visit. The lovely man in charge was very helpful and could not do enough to make our visit a success. I was unable to visit all the floors as I an disabled but a video was played for me and a comfortable chair found while my friends enjoyed looking around
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A fascinating insight into one of Britains most influential people. Over five floors, this charming little museum and bookshop, gives an overview of Samuel Johnsons early life, with fascinating reflections of his mature career, and that of his many influential friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
have lived in the area for over 20 years, have been passing the house every week and entered the first time. What a gem. Very friendly reception. House is on 4 floors, shows the kitchen in the basement and then other rooms on different floors. Information is displayed on panels on the wall. A Video is set up in one room to give you all the history. Oh the top floor (loft) is a little dress up area - had lot's of fun there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
To be honest I found this interesting but lacked substance. This old building is looking sorry for itself and needs some serious work and funding! Go for the sense of history and the surprise to me was how small people must have been 300 years ago! Not that tall myself but my head nearly touched the kitchen ceiling! There seems to be no disabled access and there are steep staircases. Half an hour at the most a time filler.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Learn all there is about this great writer and son of Lichfield. Also renowned for constructing the early dictionary
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much to see but it is only for the able bodied as it is up steps to enter and is spread over several floors up very steep stairs .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This should be a must for anybody interested in the English language. Samuel Johnson, the creator of the very first dictionary of the English language, was born here and maintained an attachment to Lichfield throughout his life. A visit to the house (five floors, no elevator) includes an informative short film and interesting exhibits placing the man in the context of his times.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
And it's free! Beautiful botanical gardens lovely grand building fun mouse hunt for the children and it's right in the heart of lichfield. Take the kids and enjoy the garden yourself!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The museum over its several floors contains a splendid collection of exhibits, information and insight into the life and times of Samuel Johnson.
The museum details the immense and varied work of this prolific writer, it provided me with a much more detailed knowledge about Samuel Johnson then I was previously aware of.
Most Definitely worth a visit or two.
The museum details the immense and varied work of this prolific writer, it provided me with a much more detailed knowledge about Samuel Johnson then I was previously aware of.
Most Definitely worth a visit or two.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This site has a very special atmosphere. The staff are friendly and informative and it is a well worthwhile visit for anyone in Lichfield or visiting the city.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here after Erasmus Darwins house and the kids enjoyed this equally. Much more focused on the literary works of the most famous son of the city and his life there.
Although kids this time searched for cats in the rooms (is the a museum in Lichfiled with dogs to search for?)
Be warned there are a LOT of stairs which are steep and narrow but this hidden gem is worth a trip and an explore and again an oportunity to dress up.
The audio visual was very well present with an old school friend portraying an early Johnson.
The worlds smallest dictionary, many interesting books, loads of listening opportunities and some brilliant paintings too.
Staff were so welcoming and warm and knowledgeable .
Only spent an hour here but will pop in again for a stroll around and again
ITS FREE but please make a donation and gift aid it so it can continue to stay open for years to come.
Although kids this time searched for cats in the rooms (is the a museum in Lichfiled with dogs to search for?)
Be warned there are a LOT of stairs which are steep and narrow but this hidden gem is worth a trip and an explore and again an oportunity to dress up.
The audio visual was very well present with an old school friend portraying an early Johnson.
The worlds smallest dictionary, many interesting books, loads of listening opportunities and some brilliant paintings too.
Staff were so welcoming and warm and knowledgeable .
Only spent an hour here but will pop in again for a stroll around and again
ITS FREE but please make a donation and gift aid it so it can continue to stay open for years to come.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We really loved this house and saw so many original historical pieces. The staff had excellent knowledge and were so passionate about everything. We gained a real insight into Samuel Johnson and how people lived and thought during this historical period. A lovely hour spent and well recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This lovely little museum is in a quaint and quirky building. It doesn't take long to go round but it is well worth a visit - and it's free to go in - though they are grateful for donations. Very central location.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is very interesting place to learn about Samuel Johnson. It could take you 2to 3hours to take it all in.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Having seen his place in London it was very interesting to see his original Lichfield home. Not very big but worth the time spent.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a very interesting museum and free entry what great value. The building is also very interesting and the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Though Small, this Museum is very comprehensive and covers many aspects of Samuel Johnson life. There are many interesting artefacts,and the well knowledged staff will help with any question...I live in Lichfield and never tire of visiting this Museum..Situated on the Market Square you can really step back in time..
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
You can not visit Litchfield and not visit this place! I just really highly recommend visiting Litchfield! It is such a wonderful place! I call it God's little English paradise!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
