Benjamin Franklin House

Benjamin Franklin House
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In the heart of London, just steps from famed Trafalgar Square, is Benjamin Franklin House, the world's only remaining Franklin home. For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin - scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of the United States and more - lived behind its doors.

Benjamin Franklin House, built circa 1730, is now open to the public as a dynamic museum and educational facility.

The Historical Experience presents the excitement and uncertainty of Franklin's London years using rooms where so much took place as staging for a drama which seamlessly integrates live performance, cutting edge lighting, sound and projection technology.

School visitors explore the Student Science Centre featuring hands-on experimentation with Franklin's London scientific discoveries, juxtaposing past and present knowledge.

The top floor Robert H. Smith Scholarship Centre is a focal point in Europe for Franklin and Franklin-related study, featuring a full set of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin, as catalogued by Yale University, and an active symposia programme.

While lodging at 36 Craven Street, Franklin's main occupation was mediating unrest between Britain and America, but he also served as Deputy Postmaster for the Colonies; pursued his love of science (exploring bifocal spectacles, the energy-saving Franklin stove); explored health (innoculation, air baths, cures for the common cold); music (inventing the delightful glass armonica for which Mozart, Bach and Beethoven composed) and letters (articles, epitaphs, and his witty Craven Street Gazette), all while forging a hearty social life and close friendships with leading figures of the day.

To find out more about our key offerings and the fascinating story of Benjamin Franklin House, visit the many areas of this site. And click here to use Benjamin Franklin House for an unforgettable event.

 

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Bringing History to Life

Historical Experience

Room Hire and Events

Become a Friend of the House

 
Book Tickets Online
Purchase Benjamin Franklin items

2008 Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize!

What is ethical journalism? Benjamin Franklin said the effects of the written word, delivered by press in his day – in ours by a variety of media “are more extensive, more lasting.” What are journalists’ responsibilities and why?

News

Franklin with kite

Benjamin Franklin House is currently showcasing art created by students fromThe Mount School and inspired by Franklin in our Grade I building. Our topic this year is Franklin’s Creativity and we provided useful background information and ideas. Everyone got certificates and the paintings will be exhibited at the House until the end of the year.

Please click here for more images.

For more information on our Educational programmes please click here.


Meet Mrs Polly Hewson - Summer Holiday Family DaysPolly Hewson

Every Tuesday in August & September 2008, 11:30am & 2:30pm

Kids go FREE! Adults only £3.50 each. All children must be accompanied.

Discover what life was like in Georgian England by meeting Mrs Polly Hewson, the daughter of Franklin’s landlady, who will guide you around the House, built 1730. Learn about everyday life in the 18th century, as well as the extraordinary story of Benjamin Franklin himself. There will also be the opportunity to follow in Franklin’s footsteps as a scientist, re-creating one of his most famous experiments, a fearsome display of the awesome power of lightning!


Our Chairman on Benjamin Franklin

John StudzinskiBenjamin Franklin House Chairman John Studzinski tells Britain's The Telegraph why Franklin is his hero

To see the whole interview click here

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Historical ExperienceStudent Study CentreScholarship Centre
 
36 Craven St London, WC2N 5NF 0207 839 2006 Benjamin Franklin House UK Registered Charity no 276066
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