The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

4.7/5 based on 585 reviews
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Learn all there is about this great writer and son of Lichfield. Also renowned for constructing the early dictionary
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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 .
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This is very interesting place to learn about Samuel Johnson. It could take you 2to 3hours to take it all in.
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Having seen his place in London it was very interesting to see his original Lichfield home. Not very big but worth the time spent.
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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
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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..
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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!
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Shopkeeper David offered a very nice historical chat on both Darwin and Johnson utside the shop, to make up for the stairs my wheelchair finds a bit difficult.
Learned a lot and felt very welcome !
Would recommend a visit to the Cathedral and this museum to anyone wanting to learn about (atleast to a Swedish person) hidden historical gems.
/Petter, a wheelchair foreigner (if there is such a thing) enjoying history and experiences to learn from
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A very interesting visit to the home of Samuel Johnson Britains first published lexicographerh. An informative staff are very helpful and are happy to answers any questions you may have
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Be prepared to go back in time & appreciate what it was like to live in this old town house. The lady on reception was very pleasant & helpful & there was so much of interest to see & read about we spent a very pleasant couple of hours reading,learning & enjoying.
The only drawback for us was a small party of primary school children of different ages. The youngest (approx 4-5 years old) of which were not the slightest bit interested & the person in charge had no little or control. They were far too young to appreciate the museum & rather spoiled it for the older ones & other visitors alike. Perhaps there could be a minimum age suggested? We will be visiting again though next time we are in
Lichfield as we thoroughly enjoyed the visit.
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Wonderful small museum with so much of interest packed in, especially the dictionary and bookish stuff.
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I found the house and exhibits interesting . it was well worth the visit . the only problem was his dictionary was at the top of the house and you had to climb several stairs to see it . this could be a problem for older people who are less mobile . entrance is free but we were made aware that we could make a donation which we did .

stewart manchester
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Enjoyed a marvellous visit to the Johnson Birthplace Museum last weekend. A big, friendly greeting, fascinating displays and even a dressing up section on the top floor. I especially liked the guide's eagerness about Samuel Johnson and the superb bookshop.

Well worth a repeat visit and makes for a great day out along with the nearby Cathedral
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As you walked in you are welcome by a lady very helpful and polite. You can tell these people care and they are happy to be there. As you make your way to the top you get sucked into the life stories of Samuel Johnson and his extraordinary life. Interesting video to watch. If it gets too packed it can be hard to follow your route.
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This is free entry so if in Lichfield it's absolutely worth 40 minutes of your time. It is quite interactive and informative and some interesting original pieces on display. You can review modern words in Mr Johnson's original dictionary which is fun for children to see how definitions have changed. The house is interesting in its self just to look around too.
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In the historic heart of the city of Lichfield it can be easy to miss now that most of the centre has been pedestrianised. It is open most of the year and is well worth a visit. Entrance is free and it is manned by very helpful and friendly staff. It is well worth spending an hour or more looking at the many exhibits and information about Samuel Johnson spread over four storeys.The rooms have been well furnished with exhibits and some of the rooms have been presented as re-creations as they might have been in Dr Johnson's time and they have been fairly well done. The ground floor is also a tastefully done bookshop. It is well worth a visit as an attraction in itself but also as a reminder of someone who made a major contribution to the literary culture and history of Britain and the English Language.
tripadvisor.co.uk
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This little gem of a museum is easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of Lichfield. Step through the door however and you are instantly transported back in time time to the era of Samuel Johnson. Well worth a visit and run by, I'm guessing volunteers who genuinely care that you make the most of your visit.
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What a great experience for free too!
A lovely visit to show the life of Dr Johnson with several floors to explore, even a video to watch to make it more informative. The staff are friendly and very helpful you can even buy books and other memento's if you wish, but no pressure!
To add to it there are other activities to celebrate various times in his life, plus regular book reading sessions, drama and art classes.
This is definitely not to be missed when visiting the beautiful city of Lichfield.
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In February 2017
Erin Cariney said

This is an interesting and fun museum!