Dr Johnson's House  

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This fine home belonged to writer Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784), who lived here when he compiled what is recognised as the worlds first dictionary. Dr Johnson's House is located in a discreet City square and contains many of Johnsons belongings as well as an excellent statue of his favourite cat, Hodge, in the square outside. The contents of the house have been built up since Cecil Harmsworth purchased the House and opened it to the public in the early 20th century. He was adamant that Dr Johnsons House should not be filled with irrelevant 18th century bric-a-brac. Items in the collection had to be connected to Johnson and appropriate for the cheery home of an impoverished writer. Harmsworth turned down some donations, including Johnsons death mask (too gloomy) and Chippendale furniture (too fine). The Harmsworths donated many early items and the Johnson Club transferred their entire collection to the House. Over the years many generous donations of relevant books, paintings and artefacts have entered the collection. Dr Johnson's House runs a varied programme of events and exhibitions, ranging from staged performances to Curator's talks. There are special late night openings and open days, as well as concerts, lectures and some more quirky events. During the year there are also changing displays and regular temporary exhibitions to highlight objects from our collection and elsewhere, and to illustrate aspects of Johnson's life and times.

Alternate names and popular misspellings for Dr Johnson's House