samuel johnson birthplace museum

margaretc734

What a great experience for free too! A lovely visit to show the life of Dr Johnson with several floors to explore, even a video to watch to make it more informative. The staff are friendly and very helpful you can even buy books and other memento's if you wish, but no pressure! To add to it there are other activities to celebrate various times in his life, plus regular book reading sessions, drama and art classes. This is definitely not to be missed when visiting the beautiful city of Lichfield.

Wanderjust

One of Lichfields ‘Four for Free’ museums that brag of the city’s association with Erasmus Darwin and Samuel Johnson. Friendly museum with plenty to hold your attention on five floors of what is an interesting building in it’s own right. Worth keeping an eye out for the art classes and extra events it stages throughout the year.

BronwynH621

A wonderful little museum detailing the life of the great lexicographer.The museum is centrally located in Lichfield and is a short walk from the railway station. There are plenty of coffee shops in the vicinity for a pre (or post) visit snack.My visit was, however, spoilt by a group of "unaccompanied minors" who rampaged and shouted through the house without any thought for other visitors or for the history and significance of the house.The attendant on duty at the desk said she could see the children larking around in the house (via CCTV) but did nothing to stop,them as her manager has directed her not to do so. She did, however, agree they were a problem and that she thought they saw the house as somewhere to escape from the cold weather at no cost.I would recommend the museum, however strongly urge the custodians to deny entry to minors not accompanied by an adult.

marilynd627

Informative well planned exhibition of Lichfield's most famous son, the lexicographer Samuel Johnson set in his birthplace, in an eighteenth century house which also housed his father's bookshop. Lively, interactive displays. It often holds events for all the family. Right in the centre of the city on the Market Square. Unfortunately, no wheelchair access or lift; there are a number of steep stairs to climb.

robertsP4950GB

Viisit, do! But read up about this unique fellow first. His birthplace is now a specialist bookshop to him and his era, and a museum. The museum (original rooms of the house) comprise basement, ground floor, first and second floor and space under the eaves. The building itself is fascinating, and the staircases a bit tricky for someone with a degree of mobility problems. On the day we visited the man on duty was very friendly but also very helpful and informative and only too willing to answer questions. The artefacts in the rooms give a good insight into Samuel Johnson the man, and his life and times. The house/museum (worth a detour!) is on the corner of a small square, and next to a church, itself of interest and with a good cafe serving decent food.

NicDR

Although busy due to the xmas lights switch on I decided to go in the museum i'd walked past many times before and vowed to go in. It was worth it - a welcoming gentleman on the main desk followed by mulled wine and a 'free to wander' experience around the house. Quite informative and i'm definitely planning on returning when I can take my time looking round without tripping over the many children who were over excited at teh prospect om impending xmas! Definitely would recommend this to people with children - they'd get a lot out of it!

K5668KOdavidl

This is Samuel Johnson's birthplace and it's well worth a visit. Learn about the man and his life and get a feel for the man and his friends.

Vironment

Lichfield has always been passionate about it's connection with Dr Samuel Johnson,writer of the first dictionary and is rightly proud of his birthplace museum, contained in a house on several floors. It has some interesting parts and very good on the history and life of the man who may have given the word aardvark to 'common' usage! Well worth a visit particularly on a wet day.

ZippyLiz

Just visited today - great atmosphere, a fab little insight into Dr Johnsons life and times. Loved the tiny little stamp-sized mini dictionary! Very interesting original artwork too. Don't miss it!!

nick_61Slough

This house is set in the town centre and easy to find. Set on all five floors with lots of information and things to see. His dictionary, his life and friends and family all explained really well. No charge to get in but donations welcome.

558paulinek

An interesting look at the life of one of our most important literary figures through the house he was born in. The house is full of interesting facts about Johnson and his friends and acquaintances. You can walk through at your own pace. Not really for children. Free but donations welcome.

BathMarske

Not overloaded with displays well presented. Conveys both the fact s and something of the atmosphere of the time. Brings out the character of the man and his relationship with the city really well. Loved the library.

ATCLARKE

Couldn't get up the steep steps to get in the building so little more to say really not disabled friendly

alanmgreen

Very interesting tells you all you need to know about Samuel Johnson which I did not know and is ion the middle of Lichfield so not too far to walk.

Mark_J_Winfield

Want to learn about early social and important literature development this is the place to visit.Quaint old Grade 1 listed building and you can feel history all around you in the books and artefacts.Staff very helpful and friendly as well