Local Reviews
In June 2021, John H said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
This type of museum sometimes suffers from and excess of reading panels, so it was wonderful to see so many artefacts used by the great man, and a fine copy of his first dictionary. In a room mocked up to be as it was in his youth, I could really get a feel for a house of the time. Staff were friendly and very informative. A little gem of s visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In June 2021, Ethan86 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Quite a small building with a very surprising history. A great little gem in such a lovely city. Would recommend to anyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, David W said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
The lady on the reception was very helpful and informative. The house is extremely interesting - and shows what cramped conditions people lived in in the eighteenth century. I got a real feeling of being close to Samuel Johnson - a writer I have always admired. Well worth a visit - but not suitable if you can't climb stairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, 1AnnieEliza said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
I must admit I did not know anything about Samuel Johnson, but an adult in our group wanted to go while we strolled Lichfield on a recent Sunday morning. So I popped in, too. First, it's free, always good. In places like this, I tend to go to the top floor and work down. Be aware that if you cannot climb lots of steps, unfortunately this is not the place for you. Up five flights to the top. But once there, it's really interesting to see. The wooden beams that divide the rooms, small rooms, no fireplace...gives a great idea of the way of life centuries ago.
I had read that the house had FEW of Johnson's artifacts, but I felt that the house actually had quite a good selection, his walking stick, I think it was his or his wife's wedding ring, his favorite teapot and much more. Not to mention, of course, volumes of his dictionaries and other books. There is also information and artifacts on actor David Garrick, a friend and I think a student of Johnson's, who lived in Lichfield.
As I said, I went because a friend wanted to go...I wound up staying longer than the person who initiated the visit! An hour is plenty to have a good look at everything.
I had read that the house had FEW of Johnson's artifacts, but I felt that the house actually had quite a good selection, his walking stick, I think it was his or his wife's wedding ring, his favorite teapot and much more. Not to mention, of course, volumes of his dictionaries and other books. There is also information and artifacts on actor David Garrick, a friend and I think a student of Johnson's, who lived in Lichfield.
As I said, I went because a friend wanted to go...I wound up staying longer than the person who initiated the visit! An hour is plenty to have a good look at everything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In May 2012, Phil J said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Never heard of Samuel Johnson? Well he's the chap who featured in the Blackadder episode who wrote the famous Dictionary. In that episode, Rowan Atkinson as Blackadder keeps taunting Dr Johnson, played by Robbie Coltrane, by referring to esoteric words that did no feature in the good Doctor's purportedly comprehensive Dictionary. All good knockabout stuff. But Johnson was a great man and a great personality. Outside the Birthplace you can see a statue of the glowering Johnson on one side of the square and on the opposite side of the square a statue of the puckish Boswell, who wrote a famous biography of Johnson-'the Life'- which is the most famous as well as the finest biography in the english language. Imagine reality TV, that's how upfront and close you get to Johnson in 'the Life' .
Johnson was a paradox: combining piety and a scabrous wit; rumbustious yet prone to crippling bouts of the black dog; hectoring yet crippled by doubt as to his own worthiness. Scholar, poet, amateur, scientist, essayist and critic, Johnson was all these things and more. You get a flavour of this in the House where Johnson was born. His father was a bookseller and if you go to the top floor you can a fine view out to the Cathedral. The house is 18thC throughout and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly and exceedingly helpful. Even better, entrance is free. Make sure you visit it some time.
Johnson was a paradox: combining piety and a scabrous wit; rumbustious yet prone to crippling bouts of the black dog; hectoring yet crippled by doubt as to his own worthiness. Scholar, poet, amateur, scientist, essayist and critic, Johnson was all these things and more. You get a flavour of this in the House where Johnson was born. His father was a bookseller and if you go to the top floor you can a fine view out to the Cathedral. The house is 18thC throughout and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly and exceedingly helpful. Even better, entrance is free. Make sure you visit it some time.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, QXZWS said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
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
In July 2012, charlielouisa said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Excellent value for money and good for all the family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In July 2012, Imhunting said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
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
In July 2012, Beatrice-TA said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
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
In July 2012, johnLmerseyside said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
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