Part of the Best of British Campaign

This unassuming town house, located in a small square just off Fleet Street, was where Dr. Samuel Johnson compiled the very first Dictionary of the English Language.  The exhibits here include the first edition of the Dictionary and prints and portraits to give one a flavour of the life and times of Dr. Johnson.  His friend James Boswell wrote his biography which was an instant best-seller in the 18th Century.  The house itself is one of the few Georgian houses which escaped the ravages of the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. Right Dr Johnson's House - photo by JB

Dr Johson was very fond of cats, and shared his house  for many years with his favourite cat Hodge, who loved to eat oysters.  Dr. Johnson used to go and buy these for his cat himself......There is a pretty statue to Hodge outside the house.  He has been sculpted by a famous sculptor of animals who has depicted Hodge sitting on a large book (the Dictionary?) complete with two empty oyster shells in front of his paws!

The inscription on the base of the statue is " A fine cat - a very fine cat indeed!" which is Dr. Johnson's tribute to his beloved companion Hodge.

Right: Statue of Hodge Dr Johnson's cat

Dr Johnson also liked to frequent the pub nearby called Ye Old Cheshire Cheese.  On a final note Dr Johnson was the man who coined the famous phrase "When a Man is tired of London he is tired of Life for there is in London all that Life can afford." 
I think we can all identify with this sentiment!

Opening Times:
October-April:  Mon-Sat. 11.am to 5.00pm
May-Sept: Mon-sat. 1.am to 5.30pm
Late opening - 1st Thursday in every month starting in March
Price:
£4.50 adults, £3.50 concessions £1.50 children, Family Ticket £10

Nearest Tube stations: Temple: Blackfriars: Chancery Lane

Address: 17 Gough Square, London, EC4A 3DE
www.drjohnsonshouse.org