As a small boy, Barber took his place in Johnson’s crowded household. He began there as a servant, but was to become almost an adoptive son to Johnson: when Johnson died, many years later, he made Barber his heir. 

We look forward to welcoming you for an Evening Private Tour or a Group Visit!

Elizabeth 'Tetty' Jervis was born 4th February 1689 in Great Peatling, near Leicester. As with most aspects of Johnson's life, his marriage to Tetty was far from typical.

Samuel Johnson, a professional writer in a new age of print, rose to become one of the greatest literary figures in the English language, redefining how we think about, use, and record language.

Samuel Johnson, a professional writer in a new age of print, rose to become one of the greatest literary figures in the English language, redefining how we think about, use, and record language.Samuel Johnson, a professional writer in a new age of print, rose to become one of the greatest literary figures in the English language, redefining how we think about, use, and record language.Samuel Johnson, a professional writer in a new age of print, rose to become one of the greatest literary figures in the English language, redefining how we think about, use, and record language.

​For three years during the Second World War, Dr Johnson’s House played the unexpected role of a social club for local firemen.

The statue facing 17 Gough Square commemorates the house's most famous quadruped resident, Hodge, Samuel Johnson's cat.

Dr Johnson’s House contains a well-stocked library of books, many eighteenth- and nineteenth-century prints and oil paintings, porcelain, Georgian furniture and other Johnsoniana ephemera .

Our Patron, Stephen Fry, ruminates on the meaning of desks at the launch for Desks, Drudgery and the Dictionary.

All our volunteers are vital to the successful running of the House. In return, we want your time with us to be rewarding, enjoyable and worthwhile.

We offer educational workshops six days a week in the House as well as materials to be used in the classroom. We have workshops for all age from preschool to U3A.