The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
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
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
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Wonderful small museum with so much of interest packed in, especially the dictionary and bookish stuff.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
stewart manchester
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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
Well worth a repeat visit and makes for a great day out along with the nearby Cathedral
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
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.
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.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
One of Lichfields ‘Four for Free’ museums that brag of the city’s association with Erasmus Darwin and Samuel Johnson. Friendly museum with plenty to hold your attention on five floors of what is an interesting building in it’s own right. Worth keeping an eye out for the art classes and extra events it stages throughout the year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A wonderful little museum detailing the life of the great lexicographer.
The museum is centrally located in Lichfield and is a short walk from the railway station. There are plenty of coffee shops in the vicinity for a pre (or post) visit snack.
My visit was, however, spoilt by a group of "unaccompanied minors" who rampaged and shouted through the house without any thought for other visitors or for the history and significance of the house.
The attendant on duty at the desk said she could see the children larking around in the house (via CCTV) but did nothing to stop,them as her manager has directed her not to do so. She did, however, agree they were a problem and that she thought they saw the house as somewhere to escape from the cold weather at no cost.
I would recommend the museum, however strongly urge the custodians to deny entry to minors not accompanied by an adult.
The museum is centrally located in Lichfield and is a short walk from the railway station. There are plenty of coffee shops in the vicinity for a pre (or post) visit snack.
My visit was, however, spoilt by a group of "unaccompanied minors" who rampaged and shouted through the house without any thought for other visitors or for the history and significance of the house.
The attendant on duty at the desk said she could see the children larking around in the house (via CCTV) but did nothing to stop,them as her manager has directed her not to do so. She did, however, agree they were a problem and that she thought they saw the house as somewhere to escape from the cold weather at no cost.
I would recommend the museum, however strongly urge the custodians to deny entry to minors not accompanied by an adult.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Informative well planned exhibition of Lichfield's most famous son, the lexicographer Samuel Johnson set in his birthplace, in an eighteenth century house which also housed his father's bookshop. Lively, interactive displays. It often holds events for all the family. Right in the centre of the city on the Market Square. Unfortunately, no wheelchair access or lift; there are a number of steep stairs to climb.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Viisit, do! But read up about this unique fellow first. His birthplace is now a specialist bookshop to him and his era, and a museum. The museum (original rooms of the house) comprise basement, ground floor, first and second floor and space under the eaves. The building itself is fascinating, and the staircases a bit tricky for someone with a degree of mobility problems. On the day we visited the man on duty was very friendly but also very helpful and informative and only too willing to answer questions. The artefacts in the rooms give a good insight into Samuel Johnson the man, and his life and times. The house/museum (worth a detour!) is on the corner of a small square, and next to a church, itself of interest and with a good cafe serving decent food.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Although busy due to the xmas lights switch on I decided to go in the museum i'd walked past many times before and vowed to go in. It was worth it - a welcoming gentleman on the main desk followed by mulled wine and a 'free to wander' experience around the house. Quite informative and i'm definitely planning on returning when I can take my time looking round without tripping over the many children who were over excited at teh prospect om impending xmas! Definitely would recommend this to people with children - they'd get a lot out of it!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is Samuel Johnson's birthplace and it's well worth a visit. Learn about the man and his life and get a feel for the man and his friends.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lichfield has always been passionate about it's connection with Dr Samuel Johnson,writer of the first dictionary and is rightly proud of his birthplace museum, contained in a house on several floors. It has some interesting parts and very good on the history and life of the man who may have given the word aardvark to 'common' usage! Well worth a visit particularly on a wet day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Just visited today - great atmosphere, a fab little insight into Dr Johnsons life and times. Loved the tiny little stamp-sized mini dictionary! Very interesting original artwork too. Don't miss it!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This house is set in the town centre and easy to find. Set on all five floors with lots of information and things to see. His dictionary, his life and friends and family all explained really well. No charge to get in but donations welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
An interesting look at the life of one of our most important literary figures through the house he was born in. The house is full of interesting facts about Johnson and his friends and acquaintances. You can walk through at your own pace. Not really for children. Free but donations welcome.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Not overloaded with displays well presented. Conveys both the fact s and something of the atmosphere of the time. Brings out the character of the man and his relationship with the city really well. Loved the library.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very interesting tells you all you need to know about Samuel Johnson which I did not know and is ion the middle of Lichfield so not too far to walk.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Want to learn about early social and important literature development this is the place to visit.
Quaint old Grade 1 listed building and you can feel history all around you in the books and artefacts.
Staff very helpful and friendly as well
Quaint old Grade 1 listed building and you can feel history all around you in the books and artefacts.
Staff very helpful and friendly as well
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A warm welcome by a very knowledgable curator who outlines what there is to see there. Free entry and a helpful guide book makes the visit even more enjoyable. The house is on several floors full of Samuel Johnson's personal belongings so it seems both homely and informative. A very good short video sets the scene to the life of a most prolific writer, poet, and of course dictionary writer. There are children's activites too. One gets the feeling of what it would have Been like to live there. The book shop is superb for both new and second hand editions of Johnson's works. Will go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
