Local Reviews
In October 2019, John G said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
This building is a bit of a challenge for tall visitors or those with mobility problems, but for me that added to its authenticity. Clambering up and down the stairs over five floors I felt I was walking in Samuel’s foot prints.
There’s an excellent video account of his life and a host of treasures and artefacts.
It’s free and, a particular treat, it’s set in the heart of picturesque and friendly Lichfield.
Marvellous.
There’s an excellent video account of his life and a host of treasures and artefacts.
It’s free and, a particular treat, it’s set in the heart of picturesque and friendly Lichfield.
Marvellous.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2019, judemgard said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Probably of little interest to your average child this house/museum was fascinating for someone of literary bent! It’s on several floors so no disabled access or lift and stairs quite steep. However it’s a treasure trove of 18th century history pertaining to Samuel Johnson. His travels, his family life, his dictionary, his possessions. This house is where he was raised and his father was a bookseller, but surprisingly and wonderfully there are art works by modern local s all mixed in, which works!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, Anthony G said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
A beautiful well kept Georgian house situated on the corner of Lichfield's Market Square where Dr. Johnson's statue and that of Boswell stands.His story is told through the rooms in the house in a very informative manner and shows a fascinating side to this man's life. The entrance is filled with books that can be purchased and the staff are very knowledgeable. Interesting that when you look a word up in a printed dictionary I often look at words either side, something that cannot be done with as much pleasure online.
Worthwhile to see.
Worthwhile to see.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In November 2019, Paul C said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Fascinating to learn about a man who developed the first english dictionary. Well described and historical content is good
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, djt_art_travel said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Interesting - not too much to see but never the less worth visiting. Interesting to see the interior and the size of the rooms. How they ever coped with stairs!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In December 2019, Bex1981 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
A nice little place, well-informed friendly staff and interesting exhibits. Only drawback is no toilets, which isn’t too surprising considering the age of the building, so we popped into the library instead.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In January 2020, Deborah K said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
I am fascinated by the influential people of the 18th century so I loved this little museum and spent an hour and a half in there. We received a warm welcome from a helpful member of staff and then we were free to explore the home of Samuel Johnson's parents. I really enjoyed the story of how he was poor for most of his life until he received a pension of £300 per year and was then able to set up The Club at the Turk's Head Inn with Joshua Reynolds where they met up with the likes of Boswell, Garrick, Burke and Goldsmith. I also think that it's great that his wife Elizabeth was more than 20 years his senior!
My husband and son who are not as interested in 18th-century history as I am both enjoyed the museum, too, although without me their visit would probably have lasted about an hour. We all had a postive experience.
My husband and son who are not as interested in 18th-century history as I am both enjoyed the museum, too, although without me their visit would probably have lasted about an hour. We all had a postive experience.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2020, Xedos1 said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Brilliant little museum. Restricted numbers due to Covid, but all the better for that. Very enthusiastic and knowledgable man on reception and occasionally dragging punters in.
Prior to our visit, all I knew about Dr Johnson was from Blackadder!
It's free and well worth a visit.
Prior to our visit, all I knew about Dr Johnson was from Blackadder!
It's free and well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, Angela B said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
A free attraction crammed with historical artefacts . Staff very engaging and excellent covid mesures in place . I had no idea this wonderful place existed 1
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In October 2020, shelleybean said about The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Visited on a Saturday afternoon, having pre booked on the website. The museum is easy to find in the centre of Lichfield. A lovely lady greeted us warmly and explained the layout of the museum. She explained that some interactive exhibitions were out of order due to Covid precautions. We were free to explore the museum at our own pace, several of the rooms were laid out as they would have been during Johnson's time, we watched an informative video on the 1st floor and saw a first edition of the famous dictionary, and browsed through the facsimile copy that was on display. We were all delighted to see a photo of Francis Barber, a freed slave who moved to Lichfield and was Johnson's manservant before getting an inheritance and his freedom, though he remained in touch with Johnson. There are packs and a trail for children, and a bookshop near the entrance. We had a lovely visit and would highly recommend.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk