Dr Johnson's House

What does the American Dream owe to Britain?

Celebrate Independence Day at Dr Johnson's House with historian Peter Moore as he traces the British roots of one of America's most powerful ideas.

An evening of history, ideas and fascinating stories. Plus, books available to buy and sign on the night. 📚🍷

Wednesday 1 July
6.30pm-8pm
Book now!

https://tinyurl.com/bp5nthac

Join us for this month's Fleet Street Quarter Lunchtime lecture Mapping the Gothic: Venice, Asylums, and the Victorian Imagination

Step behind the scenes of Ravenscourt, Dr Samantha Ward-Smith's Victorian Gothic novel, and discover the rich research that shaped its world.

From the crumbling palazzi and masked intrigues of Venice’s Carnival to the rigid hierarchies and hidden scandals of 1880s London society, this talk explores how history, place, and literature converge to create Gothic atmosphere.

Your ticket includes the opportunity to look around Dr Johnson's House and a complimentary lunch from local business Dilieto on Fleet Street.

Tuesday 30 June
12.30pm - 1.45pm
Book Now!

https://tinyurl.com/yvwf32yj

FA'THER. n.s. [fæðer, Saxon. This word is found likewise in the Persian language.]

1. He by whom the son or daughter is begotten.

2. The first ancestor.

3. The appellation of an old man.

4. The title of any man reverend for age, learning, and piety.

5. One who has given original to any thing good or bad.

Did you know you can hire Dr Johnson's House?

With a long history of entertaining – after all, Dr Samuel Johnson was a famously sociable man – the House offers a charming, atmospheric and uniquely flexible setting for all kinds of events.

Unlike many museums, we're able to move furniture and objects to create different layouts within our historic rooms. And when you hire the House, it's all yours: your own private Georgian townhouse in the heart of the City of London.

Whether you're planning a drinks reception, celebration or special gathering, our beautiful Grade I listed home provides an unforgettable backdrop.

https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/venue-hire

A hidden history of lovers, lawbreakers and homemakers. 💙

We're delighted to stock Q***r Georgians by Anthony Delaney in our shop. A fascinating exploration of LGBTQ+ lives in Georgian Britain, bringing to light stories too often left untold.

Earlier this year, Anthony gave a brilliant talk at Dr Johnson's House, sharing some of the remarkable people and histories featured in the book. If you missed it, you can still discover these stories for yourself with a copy from our shop.

Happy Pride Month 🌈

Join the Team!

We are recruiting for a Learning Officer and Collections Engagement and Access Officer, two new roles at an exciting time in the development of this Grade I listed, literary house museum in the historic heart of London.

Find the full job descriptions and information on how to apply on our website.

https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/jobs

Johnson defined a lexicographer as 'a harmless drudge' but there was nothing drudge-like about what he achieved at 17 Gough Square. 📚

Join our director, Celine Luppo McDaid, for an online talk exploring the life, work and legacy of the man who became the second most-quoted Englishman after Shakespeare, and why his years in this house were so central to it all.

This talk is part of the London Luminaries Spotlight Talks 2026, a series celebrating the extraordinary figures who shaped London's history and culture.

A Harmless Drudge and his Dictionary
Online Talk
Thursday 2 July, 7–8pm

https://tinyurl.com/mr2s396p

Join us on Wednesday for this month's Museum Lates. Enjoy a glass of fizz and explore the beautiful historic home of the famous Samuel Johnson.

Wednesday 17 June
5.30pm - 7pm
Book now! 🎟 🥂

https://tinyurl.com/4k2vrxbd

"You can make a poem walking in the fields or lying in bed but composing a Dictionary requires books and a desk."
— Samuel Johnson, 1777

Step into the Garret and stand in the very room where Samuel Johnson worked on his famous Dictionary of the English Language.

Dr Johnson’s House: A London Event Venue with Stories in Every Floorboard

For organisers looking to impress guests with something a little different, this remarkable townhouse offers an experience that feels worlds away from the usual corporate setting

https://blog.functionfixers.co.uk/dr-johnsons-house-a-london-event-venue-with-stories-in-every-floorboard/