The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
I had already been delighted by the discovery of the Lichfield Heritage Centre and was not prepared to be amazed again when on the corner opposite the Heritage Centre is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson. I climbed the entrance stairs and opened the door and was met by the lovely sight of a bookshop and wooden floors much as it would have been in Georgian times. Fanciful as it seems it felt that the shop/home enveloped me. I enjoyed exploring this treasure and met another visitor and he was an enamoured of the building as I was. All to soon I had to leave for an appointment. Entrance is free but I willingly put money into a 'book' for donations
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Organised as most birthplace museums of celebrities, informative and interactive. The lady at the reception is really nice and enthusiastic.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
So much to ascertain about the history of Lichfield and Samuel Johnson. He went to such lengths to ensure he became famous. I do not believe Blackadder appreciated him however.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The museum is excellent, well laid out and staff are very knowledgeable. Thank you!
Source: thebestof.co.uk
We enjoyed the quizzes and they are very suitable for children. Also we liked dressing up. It was fun - we would definitely come back again!
Source: thebestof.co.uk
A fantastic house to visit. There are so many artefacts and bits of information to absorb, this would normally be quite tiring but in Johnson's house, everything is displayed in an interesting and easy to see fashion.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Extremely interesting and we received an excellent welcome. Lots of information, and an excellent bookshop. Highly recommended.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
Fascinating insight into the life and times of Johnson. So much more than just seeing his dictionary. Well worth a visit.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
A great place for all the family. My six year old and three year old really enjoyed exploring the rooms, made even more fun by the 'finding the cats' activity. They also enjoyed dressing up!
Source: thebestof.co.uk
An excellent experience, very informative! This museum should be commended for its accessibility and attention to detail.
Source: thebestof.co.uk
An interesting and insightful musuem spread across five floors of this interesting property. There are some opportunities to engage children better, although there were trails we didn't do. Teh bookshop was interesting and historically signficant, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Particularly liked the bon mots in various speakers around the house - especially the one about the "booby's of Birmingham".
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
It was a col, cold March day and after being turned away from the Cathedral 3 times (almost every time we visit something prevents us from entering the Cathedral), we ventured down into the very active Market Square. At the far corner is situated the very house in which Dr. Samuel Johnson was born and raised. I knew something of his dictionary but very little else. The house has many original features and provided us with the warmest possible welcome. Take a sheet from the very friendly curator and try searching for the wooden cats that are well hidden around the house (they are moved from time to time, so a second visit may render your knowledge of their whereabouts redundant). We came away well informed and determined to learn more about the life & times of Samuel Johnson. Oh, please remember there is no charge for the museum so be generous with your donation.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This understated house isa 'must see' for anyone interested in Dr. Johnson , in Social History and in literature .Excellent staff .
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This house is interesting in it's own right as it is very old. There are items pertaining to Johnson that are interesting and this site is worth a visit if you are in the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Good points: Interesting house, little activities for kids (though I think they'd quickly get bored), a nice atmosphere, very informative about Johnson (and Boswell). Good 15-minute loop video in one of the rooms, books to buy - the whole place feels slightly like a library, which I'm sure would have pleased Dr. Johnson. A well-preserved house, too. Downsides are: it was freezing! Wrap up warm if you go in cold weather. And there are several flights of stairs, which you simply can't avoid - there are even steps up to the front door. So it's not accessible for disabled people, or anyone with even a stiff knee, I would think. Not surprising, as it's an old house and can't be adapted. However, if you're fit and don't mind stairs, give it a go. Amazing, if you're a Johnson fan - ah, if only we had Shakespeare's house!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Every thing the setting the furniture the history surrounding the place was superb I will certainly go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
FREE ENTRY. What a character he was! He lived life to the full. I knew hardly anything about this man who is so important to our nation and language. The museum's only small so if you take a bit of time you will learn a lot. Access may be difficult for people with mobility problems.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A gorgeous building, with informative signage and a friendly welcome. Everything you could want to know about the first lexicographer. Good 'hands on' stuff for the kids. And free ! We gladly donated, of course.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This museum has to be the definitive guide to the great man,what more can I say? How about, 'Superb'!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Samuel Johnsons museum is a most interesting place to visit in the heart of Litchfield, the museum/house is well laid out and very intersting, not to be missed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This house was built in about 1707 for Samuel Johnson's father. It was the family home and a bookshop. It still sells books to this day.
Samuel was born here and when he left for work in 1737 he went to live in London.
There are five wonderful floors to look around each as interesting as the last. In the basement is the kitchen where you can here an introduction and see a short film..In room two it tells you about his London life.
The attic room contains a first edition of his 'incredible' dictionary. The rest of the rooms contain furniture and many of Johnson's possessions.
This is a fascinating place and free to enter. There is even a free trail for children.
Well worth a visit.
Samuel was born here and when he left for work in 1737 he went to live in London.
There are five wonderful floors to look around each as interesting as the last. In the basement is the kitchen where you can here an introduction and see a short film..In room two it tells you about his London life.
The attic room contains a first edition of his 'incredible' dictionary. The rest of the rooms contain furniture and many of Johnson's possessions.
This is a fascinating place and free to enter. There is even a free trail for children.
Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I went under sufferance, as my husband was determined we should visit. However, I was very glad I went, it was charming, interesting and just the right size for a nice visit. Add to the fact that t was free, other than a donation and what could be better?
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent value for money and good for all the family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
There have been few more influential people in English life than the father of the dictionary and literary giant Samual Johnson. Lichfield is justly proud of its number one son and this museum is a celebration of this.
All in all a very well curated property...
All in all a very well curated property...
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
