The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
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
this is a place to visit about history of samuel johnson birth placethe room are full of history and a very good gift shop all staff were very friendly well done tony mbe
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Johnson's life story.The museum reflects the life of Dr.Johnson
the first compiler of an English dictionary as well as writing many
articles on contemporary 18th century life.
the first compiler of an English dictionary as well as writing many
articles on contemporary 18th century life.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Five floors with a fascinating insight into life and times of basically a book seller and writer who rose to fame and fortune through his tireless work on "Dictionary of the English Language" which he wrote in 1755. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visitors to Lichfield will find the Birthplace Museum in the center of town. If you're already a fan of Johnson, as I am, you will find a visit to this museum very moving, but even if you're not familiar with him, drop by and the guides will give you enough information to enjoy your visit. Admission is free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The museum was at the hub of a big set of Johnson events in central Lichfield. Music, drama, markets and events for all ages. Great day's celebrations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A friendly welcome from the staff. Balance of information exhibits etc just perfect. Wander through four floors of Johnson's life - steep stairs. Do stop and watch the 13 minute video loop. Entry is free so make a donation as you leave.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Free entry to a 18th Century town house will a real feel of history. The restoration of the building and displays are a real credit to the Trustees - thank you.
Toilets are available in the Heritage Centre on the other side of the road.
Toilets are available in the Heritage Centre on the other side of the road.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very informative and welcoming docent. Exhibits self-explanatory and most engaging. We've been to Lichfield a few times and finally had an opportunity to be available when it was open.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great museum in the centre of town. Very well put together and would appeal to all ages. There are quite a few stairs and I don't think there was a lift so maybe not as accessible to all. Excellent given that it is free to all.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
5 floors of a house. Lots of things to keep children entertained, not too much reading . Pleasant and airy building, easy to get to as in I centre of things
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My title is taken from the free leaflet handed to us by the very pleasant lady as we entered the place of Samuel Johnson's birth (this Museum) and is exactly what we did.
After asking us if we had visited before she handed us the guide leaflet and told us that there was one room in the basement and five floors in total and suggested that we listen to the introductory film on the first floor.
She also told us that we could purchase books from the Museum Bookshop before we left and that entry to the Museum was free - although we could give a donation if we wanted.
We had heard a little of doctor Johnson and his dictionary but this Museum was extremely informative about his life, family and friends.
Each room had information on the wall to read to learn more about Dr Johnson and the film explained by the words of his long time friend James Boswell was very informative.
We purchased two books from the Museum Bookshop and felt that it was well worth a donation (ensuring that we included gift aid)
I would definitely recommend visiting this museum to family and if you are ever shopping or visiting Lichfield it is well worth having a look where Dr Samuel Johnson was born.
After asking us if we had visited before she handed us the guide leaflet and told us that there was one room in the basement and five floors in total and suggested that we listen to the introductory film on the first floor.
She also told us that we could purchase books from the Museum Bookshop before we left and that entry to the Museum was free - although we could give a donation if we wanted.
We had heard a little of doctor Johnson and his dictionary but this Museum was extremely informative about his life, family and friends.
Each room had information on the wall to read to learn more about Dr Johnson and the film explained by the words of his long time friend James Boswell was very informative.
We purchased two books from the Museum Bookshop and felt that it was well worth a donation (ensuring that we included gift aid)
I would definitely recommend visiting this museum to family and if you are ever shopping or visiting Lichfield it is well worth having a look where Dr Samuel Johnson was born.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
