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Dr Johnson's House

At number 17 Gough Square, a small pedestrian courtyard tucked among historic alleyways north of Fleet Street, stands the late 17th-century house where Samuel Johnson lived and worked between 1748 and 1759. Here he compiled his famous 'A Dictionary of the English Language'. The five-storey, Grade I listed building keeps its panelling, a pine staircase, period furniture, prints, portraits and a collection of books, porcelain and Johnson-related objects. The exhibitions trace his life and work, and a statue of Hodge, Johnson's cat, looks towards the façade. The visit takes in the rooms, including the attic where he worked on the Dictionary, and there is a children's guide and a free audio guide on your phone. There is no step-free access, and the toilets are down a steep staircase.

Things to do at Dr Johnson's House: 5 missions

• Take the Walk and visit through the literary heart of LondonWalk through the literary heart of London and visit Samuel Johnson's house.
• Join the Dr Johnson's House walks around Johnson's neighbourhoodExplore Johnson's neighbourhood on a tour led by an experienced City of London guide.
• Take part in Learning with educational workshopsAttend educational workshops six days a week at the House.
• Discover Discover Johnson's DictionaryExplore the history of Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language and its impact.
• Take a self-guided visit of the HouseBegin a self-guided visit of the House at the end of the guided tour.

Near Dr Johnson's House

Source: drjohnsonshouse.org