The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum
Latest Reviews
I have to say this is a pretty average museum. It is certainally interesting and a diverting place to spend half an hour and if you have any interest in the good doctor do visit. It is set over several floors and does offer an oversight into his life.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
My main issue was that you get no sense of what the place was like in his time, what his life was like it is more a series of boards and quotes, the kitchen has been mocked up to reflect the period but there is little that is contemporary in the place as far as I could see.
The dictionary, perhaps what Doctor Johnson is best remembered does feature and there is a facsimile copy you can leaf through.
Admission is free and there is a second hand bookshop on the ground floor.
You will struggle to get around this museum if you have mobility problems.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Ok its not the biggest museum ever but very interesting and the staff were really helpful. The gardens were a treat.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Right in the centre of Lichfield's market place is this
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
gem of a house. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. When we went a magic show was on and our children really loved it. Would highly recommend for all, especially on a wet day!!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Worth a visit but the stairs can be difficult to navigate for anyone having difficulty in walking. Best to take one flight slowly. Staff very helpful. Some very interesting items on display which provides a better understanding of Mr Johnson's work. He must have been a formidable person to have met in those far off days.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
M'ha agradat i he trobat interessant aprendre un poc més sobre aquesta persona que va emprendre la tasca de compondre un fantàstic diccionari de la llengua anglesa
Source: google.com
Although I studied the life and work of Dr. Johnson many years ago as part of my English degree, I remembered very little about him apart from his famous dictionary, and his habit of writing very long sentences! Visiting his house was first on our list of things to do in Lichfield, and we were not disappointed.
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Each room of the house is dedicated to a different part of Johnson's life, and in one room a life sized sculpture of the great man peering at the view from his window, hands leaning on the sill, made me believe for a minute that an actor was employed to represent him! We learnt a great deal about Johnson's early life, his less happy experiences at school and his success in London. We both enjoyed getting to know him.
But do beware! My husband had some difficulty with navigating the narrow stairs to the higher floors!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Enjoyed the visit and nice welcome
Source: google.com
This is a free museum and provides some interesting insights into the life of Samuel Johnson. Dr. Johnson was the author of a famous 2 volume English dictionary. There is a copy you can check out here on site. This building originally housed the book store that Samuels father ran, and the living quarters where he grew up. Takes an hour or so to go through the museum. One warning: lots of step stairs to climb, and no elevator.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place for all the family very interesting
Source: google.com
Set in Johnson's original Lichfield house, the museum attempts to create the different phases of Johnson's life in different rooms. The display's were interesting, but it did seem to gloss over the dictionary and his other famous writings.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Beware, there are many, many narrow stairs.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A nice little place to visit but it helps to be visiting out of a particular interest rather than general interest. Staff friendly and helpful.
Source: google.com
A very interesting small house and museum. The lady on reception was very knowledgable and friendly. There are many artefacts from Samuel Johnson's lifetime. The most fascinating is one of his original dictionaries in pride of place on the top floor. Recommended.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Set on 4 floors, this is a very interesting house. There is a video showing his life and times, which is informative. There is also the First Edition of his famous dictionary (vol i and ii) in a glass case, and a facsimile of the same by the side for you to look at.
When we got home we had to watch Blackadder III, episode 2. LOL.
When we got home we had to watch Blackadder III, episode 2. LOL.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited as it was free and had time to explore and glad we did it was an interesting place and we found out more about Samuel Johnson and was very pleased to find out that the video all about him and the timelines had captions for deaf and hard of hearing people.. It certainly was well laid out and interactive and a good interest for those who have read his books.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is a fantastic museum for all ages to enjoy. Kevin is one of the volunteers and he is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. We went through right before a group of school kids were about to come through. He gave us loads of history and told us where to go to not be in their way.
There are multiple floors with some very interesting displays. There are beautiful paintings in every room/hallways, and loads of activities for everyone from dressing in traditional clothing to writing. The ground floor is a used bookstore with hundreds of unique books.
It’s a free museum and well worth the hour or so spent learning about Samuel Johnson and his family.
There are multiple floors with some very interesting displays. There are beautiful paintings in every room/hallways, and loads of activities for everyone from dressing in traditional clothing to writing. The ground floor is a used bookstore with hundreds of unique books.
It’s a free museum and well worth the hour or so spent learning about Samuel Johnson and his family.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely museum, extremely good, friendly staff
Source: google.com
Really interesting museum, informative but in a user friendly way, with a bookshop on the ground floor. The owner was very friendly and gave us lots of tips on places to visit in the town.
Source: google.com
Well worth a visit
Source: google.com
On a day out in Lichfield, we came across this small museum and what a fascinating place. Staff were very friendly and welcoming and advised us on the order we should go around the museum. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Plenty to see and do ( even for children) in this beautiful old house in the centre of the City.The staff are very helpful and well informed.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited a while ago-really good for children but such an informative treasure place. Need to visit while it's still free-fantastic if you're on a budget parents, with cathedral and park nearby!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to visit
Source: google.com
For anyone interested in Johnson this is the place to visit as it was his birthplace.
Very informative and helpful lady at the entrance explains how to get the most from the visit and the exhibits are fascinating if somewhat limited.
Steep stairs will limit access for anyone with mobility problems, particularly at busy times.
Admission is free although you are invited to make a donation. Guide books are available for a modest price (£2.50 June 2018) and descriptive leaflets are free.
Very informative and helpful lady at the entrance explains how to get the most from the visit and the exhibits are fascinating if somewhat limited.
Steep stairs will limit access for anyone with mobility problems, particularly at busy times.
Admission is free although you are invited to make a donation. Guide books are available for a modest price (£2.50 June 2018) and descriptive leaflets are free.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great little museum & an opportunity to find out about quite a significant part of our history.
Source: google.com
My wife, 19-year old daughter and I came to Lichfield specifically to go to the Johnson home and museum. It was a wonderful experience, with interesting artifacts, exhibits and knowledgeable, friendly people. There is no charge, although donations are accepted and undoubtedly truly needed for continued operations. This was one of the highlights of our trip to England last year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
