Toast the City: Why we love the Francis Barber Blue Plaque at Dr Johnson’s House

As the highly anticipated Toast the City Awards draws near, we take a closer look at some of the cultural gems in the heart of the Square Mile that are vying for a coveted Slice of Toast. Today, we shine a spotlight on Finalist Dr Johnson’s House and the recently unveiled Blue Plaque dedicated to its remarkable former resident, Francis Barber.

Dr Johnson’s House, a Grade I-listed building in Gough Square, Fleet Street Quarter, is more than just a museum – it is the first landmark in the City of London to receive a Blue Plaque, a distinction bestowed upon it over 150 years ago. The property, which has been transformed into a museum since 1912, holds a unique historical significance, as it was once the residence of Dr Samuel Johnson, the esteemed writer, critic, and lexicographer known for his monumental contribution to the English language with the publication of A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755.

The new Blue Plaque, however, honors a lesser-known but equally important figure in the home of the wordsmith. Francis Barber, a West African man born into slavery in Jamaica, made the journey to London as a child and resided at Dr Johnson’s House from 1752 to 1756. There, he served as Dr Johnson's servant and, in due course, became his sole heir and beneficiary.

Barber's story is a testament to the power of friendship, resilience, and mentorship, as Dr Johnson not only provided for Barber's financial future but also ensured his education and success by making him the first Black school teacher in British history.

Today, Dr Johnson’s House stands as a beacon of inclusivity, with the museum dedicated to exploring and representing the experiences and legacies of those who lived there during the 18th century. The House of Words actively engages with themes such as friendship, grief, gender, identity, slavery, and mental health, drawing parallels between the lives of those who came before and the contemporary audience today.

With the redesigned Blue Plaques Scheme now in full swing, the City of London Corporation is committed to upholding transparency, inclusivity, and diversity in its commemorative efforts, ensuring that every plaque tells a compelling story worth sharing.