Dr Johnson's House

Dr Johnson's House Quirky historic house tucked away in the City with 18th-century interiors & a healthy supply of dictionaries. Once home to Dr Johnson & his pet cat, Hodge.

Johnson defined a lexicographer as 'a harmless drudge' but there was nothing drudge-like about what he achieved at 17 Go...
13/06/2026

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...
12/06/2026

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."— Samue...
10/06/2026

"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.

Say hello to Hodge, 'a very fine cat indeed'. 🐾Samuel Johnson was so devoted to his cat that he would go out himself to ...
05/06/2026

Say hello to Hodge, 'a very fine cat indeed'. 🐾

Samuel Johnson was so devoted to his cat that he would go out himself to buy oysters, so as not to 'give trouble' to his servants. Today Hodge keeps watch over Gough Square from his perch atop the Dictionary.

Visit Dr Johnson's House this weekend and see him for yourself — then step inside and explore the home where the Dictionary of the English Language was written.

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

Step into Samuel Johnson’s London on a guided walk, then explore Dr Johnson’s House at your own pace.Walk & VisitWednesd...
04/06/2026

Step into Samuel Johnson’s London on a guided walk, then explore Dr Johnson’s House at your own pace.

Walk & Visit
Wednesday 10 June
1pm - 3pm
Book now! 🎟️

https://tinyurl.com/yptbb4x9

GRIEF. n.s. [from grieve; griff, Welsh, probably from the English.]1. Sorrow; trouble for something past.Join acclaimed ...
02/06/2026

GRIEF. n.s. [from grieve; griff, Welsh, probably from the English.]

1. Sorrow; trouble for something past.

Join acclaimed author Sofka Zinovieff and leading psychotherapist Julia Samuel for a fascinating exploration of the relationships that touch us and hurt us most: those with our family.

Death Rituals & Grief
Wednesday 10 June
6.30pm - 8pm

https://tinyurl.com/54rnyme6

Join us this July! Bestselling historian Peter Moore traces how Enlightenment ideas were exported from Britain and put i...
30/05/2026

Join us this July! Bestselling historian Peter Moore traces how Enlightenment ideas were exported from Britain and put into practice in America - where they became the most successful export of all time, the American Dream.

Britain & The American Dream
Wednesday 1 July
6.30pm-8pm
Book now! 🎟️

https://tinyurl.com/bp5nthac

Step inside 17 Gough Square this weekend and discover where Samuel Johnson compiled the first great Dictionary of the En...
28/05/2026

Step inside 17 Gough Square this weekend and discover where Samuel Johnson compiled the first great Dictionary of the English Language. One of London's most remarkable historic houses.

Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

More quill and ink creations from our visitors! We love seeing the sketches, messages, and inky handwriting inspired by ...
27/05/2026

More quill and ink creations from our visitors! We love seeing the sketches, messages, and inky handwriting inspired by a visit to the House.

Come and try quill writing for yourself next time you visit 📜

https://www.drjohnsonshouse.org/

Address

17 Gough Square
London
EC4A3DE

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 5pm
Tuesday 11am - 5pm
Wednesday 11am - 5pm
Thursday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 5pm

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