Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Related Images
17 Gough Square - where Dr. Johnson compiled his dictionary
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
17 Gough Square - where Dr. Johnson compiled his dictionary
17 Gough Square, Fleet Street, London - where Dr. Samuel Johnson compiled his dictionary in 1748. In the garret (with the slanting roof) his assistants worked. The purchaser of the property (in 1911) Cecil Harmsworth who is reported to have said "......it presented every appearance of squalor and decay.....it is doubtful whether in the whole of London there existed a more forlorn or dilapidated tenement". This card, dating from around the time Harmsworths purchase shows the building in a poor state of repair, with the then occupant being the printing firm of Waller & Baines. Date: circa 1911
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11587267
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1748 Baines Broken Cecil Decay Derelict Dictionary Dilapidated Doctor Garret Gough Harmsworth Johnson Johnsons Office Plaque Poor Printer Printers Printing Property Repair Roof Samuel Slanting Squalor Tatty Tenement Waller Windows Fleet
EDITORS COMMENTS
17 Gough Square, Fleet Street, London: A Glance into the Past of Dr. Samuel Johnson's Historic Dictionary Compilation Site This evocative photograph captures the humble abode at 17 Gough Square, once the site where Dr. Samuel Johnson compiled his legendary dictionary in 1748. The image, taken circa 1911, reveals a building in a poor state of repair, with its windows broken and tatty appearance. The then occupant was the printing firm of Waller & Baines. The garret, with its slanting roof, was where Johnson's dedicated assistants labored tirelessly to help him complete his monumental work. Fast forward to 1911, and the property, which Cecil Harmsworth described as "dilapidated" and "forlorn," presented every appearance of squalor and decay. Harmsworth, the purchaser of the property, reportedly made this statement, expressing his disbelief at the state of the once-famous home of the renowned lexicographer. The building, now a Grade II listed structure, has been preserved as a testament to the rich history of literature and language. The plaque on the wall commemorates the significant role this location played in the creation of the English language's most comprehensive dictionary. The slanting roof of the garret, where Johnson's assistants worked, still stands tall, a reminder of the intellectual endeavor that took place within its walls over two centuries ago. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a poignant contrast between the building's storied history and its dilapidated state at the turn of the 20th century. The image serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical sites and the stories they hold, even when they appear worn and forgotten.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
