Benjamin Franklin House

"...I imagine hope and faith may be more firmly built on charity, than charity upon faith and hope."� Franklin, 1758 #WednesdayWisdom

Hey London Landmarks Half Marathon runners!
Don't forget that you can get 50% when you present your email confirmation or medal on one of our experiences.
Good luck and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line!

It's #FridayFranklinFact and we have a fun fact for you this week!
#DidYouKnow that Franklin was a fashion icon when he lived in France?
They even named a wig hairstyle after him called "Coiffure a la Franklin" that imitated the look of his bear skin hat!
... 🖼️: Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France from the National Archives and Records Administration in the USA.
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A lesson worth remembering from Poor Richard's Almanack for #WorldPoetryDay2019
'A friend in need is a friend indeed!

Dr Perry Gauci,Tutor in Modern History at Lincoln College, Oxford University, will speak about the stormy public debates surrounding the first Blackfriars Bridge, which opened in 1769. The bridge caused deep divisions within the metropolis, but its completion highlighted how Londoners managed to find common cause in pursuit of civic improvement in Franklin’s day.

Today is #WednesdayWisdom at Benjamin Franklin House! We'd like to start this series by showing things that Benjamin Franklin did not say from The Franklin Institute:
http://ow.ly/IzBA30o7lJv
📷: Michael H. Parker on Flickr

#DidYouKnow Benjamin Franklin only had two years of formal education? It wasn't until he arrived in London that he received an honorary doctorate from the @uniofstandrews 📚 . . .#FranklinFact #FranklinFriday #londonshh #history #historyfacts

On this #internationalwomensday2019 we celebrate one of the residents of 36 Craven Street, Polly Hewson!
She was like a second daughter to Benjamin Franklin and shared his passion for philosophy and science.
After Franklin left the House in 1775, they continued to write letters to each other up to his death.

Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2019 Frankly Speaking Debate Competition! @ U.S. Embassy London

#Didyouknow that we can see the back of Charing Cross from the House?
Although Benjamin Franklin House was built in the 1730s, we became the Empress Hotel in the 1860s to cater to the new train visitors to London when Charing Cross was built. . .... . . . . #londonhistory #charingcross #BFH #londonshh
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Join us on March 6th for a talk by author Paul Myles on his book about Thomas Paine and his literary role in the American War of Independence.
Register for free via Eventbrite below

We ❤️ our Georgian windows! What's your favourite architecture feature?

#Didyouknow that Benjamin Franklin is an honorary member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame?
When he first lived in London as a young man in the 1720s, he would often swim in the Thames. His technique was so good that a friend offered to help him set up a swimming school.
He was a lifelong supporter of swimming lessons and encouraged parents to teach their children.

The flowers in our "garden" are starting to bloom! 🌸🌼🌺
Could this mean spring is upon us soon?

Introducing his new book, The Rise of Thomas Paine, Paul Myles will tell the story of how the relatively unknown Englishman-Paine- came to be thrust onto the international stage and his literary role in the American War of Independence.
Register via Eventbrite for Free Tickets

We love these nerdy valentines from The Franklin Institute.
Although Valentines Day cards were not popular during the Georgian era, lovers would often send anonymous poems and letters to each other.
https://www.fi.edu/nerdy-valentines

Happy #inventorsday !
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin invented one of the first stoves?
We're certainly grateful on a cold day like today.
... What's your favourite Franklin invention?
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Today is Kite Flying Day!
This painting, called 'Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky', was made by the Anglo-American painter Benjamin West in 1816, commemorating Franklin's famous Kite and key experiment from 1752. West, a fellow Pennsylvanian, knew Franklin while they were both in London, but waited until after his death to finish this portrait.
You can see the painting today at the Philadelphia Museum Art. 🏛️🎨

Did you know that Ben Franklin started out as a printer? Nowadays we think of a printer as something that connects to a computer but the mechanical printing press was cutting edge technology in Franklin’s time. Join us for this fun-filled family day to learn all about 18th Century printing methods and try your hand at some printing of your own!
Suitable for ages 6-12.
Please register for both the children and adults in your group: ... https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-day-p rinting-workshop-t…
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Worked there for the British Society for Understanding in 1965 - my first job.

Went on 6 September and found it a great experience and insight to his life

Very enjoyable visit. Atmospheric, no furniture but the 'Actress' convincingly took us back in time reliving the events.

Really nice and a great feeling to be there during the fourth of July. A part of history! We had a nice time. Staff was really nice and met a couple of nice people visiting there as well.

It's an amazing place to experience a bit of unknown history

It was an amazing tour, very informative and done in such a creative way. So glad we didn't miss it while in London.

I was fascinated by this place and by the man. In my ignorance I only knew him as the man who invented lightening conductors. There was so much more to this brilliant man, and going round his house, listening to the very interesting guides, was a moving and unforgettable experience. I would thoroughly recommend it.

I so enjoyed my visit. The building's history and the story of Franklin's life in London was enacted by a most talented actress. As i spent most of my younger life in Philadelphia, i've always been intrigied with Franklin's brilliance and have read extensively. My visit to the Franklin House was an amazing experience. Thank you.

Excellent tour. Combination of audio visual displays and actors.

An interesting look at Ben Franklin's life in London. The decoration is sparse, but the tour brings it to life.

An amazing place full of atmosphere and history. Fantastic period building in the centre of London in a side street

Amazing! Definitely go on the historical tour. Although basically an empty house, the historical tour made the whole house come alive with staff dressing in period clothes and telling the story fantastically through monologues, acting and video.

Recommend 100%

A little hidden gem tucked down Craven St, just a stone's throw from Trafalgar Sq.



The staff are incredibly friendly and very knowledgable. Whilst the house is pretty bare of possessions, the live performance and projections help to animate the historic and make for an immersive experience.



If you've a National Trust or an Arts Fund Pass (and some other memberships I'm not too sure of) then it only costs £3.50 and it's well worth it!



TIP: You have to knock for entry and sometimes they don't hear you. However, just give the box office a call and they'll dash to the door to let you in!

:) was a great little hidden gem! I recommend going to have a look here :) such an amazing part of history

Very interesting and well conserved building with a long history and a good tour. Afterwards I visited the structural engineering practice that worked on keeping it standing!

This secular Enlightenment genius's London residence is worth a visit for anyone who loves truth and liberty. The combination of live actor and multimedia makes an otherwise normal London flat from that era alive for the small groups that take the tour.

I was there about a month ago. It's right next to the Sherlock Holmes Pub. The residence itself is bare but the performance art really channels the history of the house, Benjamin Franklin and really brings the place to life and does a good job of channelling the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. Very well done and enjoyed it tremendously.

Interesting house and location linked to one great American. I just wished they had more objects and furniture pieces to connect us to Franklin and that time beyond just the empty rooms....

Worked there for the British Society for Understanding in 1965 - my first job.

Went on 6 September and found it a great experience and insight to his life

Very enjoyable visit. Atmospheric, no furniture but the 'Actress' convincingly took us back in time reliving the events.

Really nice and a great feeling to be there during the fourth of July. A part of history! We had a nice time. Staff was really nice and met a couple of nice people visiting there as well.

It's an amazing place to experience a bit of unknown history

It was an amazing tour, very informative and done in such a creative way. So glad we didn't miss it while in London.

I was fascinated by this place and by the man. In my ignorance I only knew him as the man who invented lightening conductors. There was so much more to this brilliant man, and going round his house, listening to the very interesting guides, was a moving and unforgettable experience. I would thoroughly recommend it.

I so enjoyed my visit. The building's history and the story of Franklin's life in London was enacted by a most talented actress. As i spent most of my younger life in Philadelphia, i've always been intrigied with Franklin's brilliance and have read extensively. My visit to the Franklin House was an amazing experience. Thank you.

Excellent tour. Combination of audio visual displays and actors.

An interesting look at Ben Franklin's life in London. The decoration is sparse, but the tour brings it to life.

An amazing place full of atmosphere and history. Fantastic period building in the centre of London in a side street

Amazing! Definitely go on the historical tour. Although basically an empty house, the historical tour made the whole house come alive with staff dressing in period clothes and telling the story fantastically through monologues, acting and video.

Recommend 100%

A little hidden gem tucked down Craven St, just a stone's throw from Trafalgar Sq.



The staff are incredibly friendly and very knowledgable. Whilst the house is pretty bare of possessions, the live performance and projections help to animate the historic and make for an immersive experience.



If you've a National Trust or an Arts Fund Pass (and some other memberships I'm not too sure of) then it only costs £3.50 and it's well worth it!



TIP: You have to knock for entry and sometimes they don't hear you. However, just give the box office a call and they'll dash to the door to let you in!

:) was a great little hidden gem! I recommend going to have a look here :) such an amazing part of history

Very interesting and well conserved building with a long history and a good tour. Afterwards I visited the structural engineering practice that worked on keeping it standing!

This secular Enlightenment genius's London residence is worth a visit for anyone who loves truth and liberty. The combination of live actor and multimedia makes an otherwise normal London flat from that era alive for the small groups that take the tour.

I was there about a month ago. It's right next to the Sherlock Holmes Pub. The residence itself is bare but the performance art really channels the history of the house, Benjamin Franklin and really brings the place to life and does a good job of channelling the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. Very well done and enjoyed it tremendously.

Interesting house and location linked to one great American. I just wished they had more objects and furniture pieces to connect us to Franklin and that time beyond just the empty rooms....

Worked there for the British Society for Understanding in 1965 - my first job.

Went on 6 September and found it a great experience and insight to his life

Very enjoyable visit. Atmospheric, no furniture but the 'Actress' convincingly took us back in time reliving the events.

Really nice and a great feeling to be there during the fourth of July. A part of history! We had a nice time. Staff was really nice and met a couple of nice people visiting there as well.

It's an amazing place to experience a bit of unknown history

It was an amazing tour, very informative and done in such a creative way. So glad we didn't miss it while in London.

I was fascinated by this place and by the man. In my ignorance I only knew him as the man who invented lightening conductors. There was so much more to this brilliant man, and going round his house, listening to the very interesting guides, was a moving and unforgettable experience. I would thoroughly recommend it.

I so enjoyed my visit. The building's history and the story of Franklin's life in London was enacted by a most talented actress. As i spent most of my younger life in Philadelphia, i've always been intrigied with Franklin's brilliance and have read extensively. My visit to the Franklin House was an amazing experience. Thank you.

Excellent tour. Combination of audio visual displays and actors.

An interesting look at Ben Franklin's life in London. The decoration is sparse, but the tour brings it to life.

An amazing place full of atmosphere and history. Fantastic period building in the centre of London in a side street

Amazing! Definitely go on the historical tour. Although basically an empty house, the historical tour made the whole house come alive with staff dressing in period clothes and telling the story fantastically through monologues, acting and video.

Recommend 100%

A little hidden gem tucked down Craven St, just a stone's throw from Trafalgar Sq.



The staff are incredibly friendly and very knowledgable. Whilst the house is pretty bare of possessions, the live performance and projections help to animate the historic and make for an immersive experience.



If you've a National Trust or an Arts Fund Pass (and some other memberships I'm not too sure of) then it only costs £3.50 and it's well worth it!



TIP: You have to knock for entry and sometimes they don't hear you. However, just give the box office a call and they'll dash to the door to let you in!

:) was a great little hidden gem! I recommend going to have a look here :) such an amazing part of history

Very interesting and well conserved building with a long history and a good tour. Afterwards I visited the structural engineering practice that worked on keeping it standing!

This secular Enlightenment genius's London residence is worth a visit for anyone who loves truth and liberty. The combination of live actor and multimedia makes an otherwise normal London flat from that era alive for the small groups that take the tour.

I was there about a month ago. It's right next to the Sherlock Holmes Pub. The residence itself is bare but the performance art really channels the history of the house, Benjamin Franklin and really brings the place to life and does a good job of channelling the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. Very well done and enjoyed it tremendously.

Interesting house and location linked to one great American. I just wished they had more objects and furniture pieces to connect us to Franklin and that time beyond just the empty rooms....

Worked there for the British Society for Understanding in 1965 - my first job.

Went on 6 September and found it a great experience and insight to his life

Very enjoyable visit. Atmospheric, no furniture but the 'Actress' convincingly took us back in time reliving the events.

Really nice and a great feeling to be there during the fourth of July. A part of history! We had a nice time. Staff was really nice and met a couple of nice people visiting there as well.

It's an amazing place to experience a bit of unknown history

It was an amazing tour, very informative and done in such a creative way. So glad we didn't miss it while in London.

I was fascinated by this place and by the man. In my ignorance I only knew him as the man who invented lightening conductors. There was so much more to this brilliant man, and going round his house, listening to the very interesting guides, was a moving and unforgettable experience. I would thoroughly recommend it.

I so enjoyed my visit. The building's history and the story of Franklin's life in London was enacted by a most talented actress. As i spent most of my younger life in Philadelphia, i've always been intrigied with Franklin's brilliance and have read extensively. My visit to the Franklin House was an amazing experience. Thank you.

Excellent tour. Combination of audio visual displays and actors.

An interesting look at Ben Franklin's life in London. The decoration is sparse, but the tour brings it to life.

An amazing place full of atmosphere and history. Fantastic period building in the centre of London in a side street

Amazing! Definitely go on the historical tour. Although basically an empty house, the historical tour made the whole house come alive with staff dressing in period clothes and telling the story fantastically through monologues, acting and video.

Recommend 100%

A little hidden gem tucked down Craven St, just a stone's throw from Trafalgar Sq.



The staff are incredibly friendly and very knowledgable. Whilst the house is pretty bare of possessions, the live performance and projections help to animate the historic and make for an immersive experience.



If you've a National Trust or an Arts Fund Pass (and some other memberships I'm not too sure of) then it only costs £3.50 and it's well worth it!



TIP: You have to knock for entry and sometimes they don't hear you. However, just give the box office a call and they'll dash to the door to let you in!

:) was a great little hidden gem! I recommend going to have a look here :) such an amazing part of history

Very interesting and well conserved building with a long history and a good tour. Afterwards I visited the structural engineering practice that worked on keeping it standing!

This secular Enlightenment genius's London residence is worth a visit for anyone who loves truth and liberty. The combination of live actor and multimedia makes an otherwise normal London flat from that era alive for the small groups that take the tour.

I was there about a month ago. It's right next to the Sherlock Holmes Pub. The residence itself is bare but the performance art really channels the history of the house, Benjamin Franklin and really brings the place to life and does a good job of channelling the spirit of Benjamin Franklin. Very well done and enjoyed it tremendously.

Interesting house and location linked to one great American. I just wished they had more objects and furniture pieces to connect us to Franklin and that time beyond just the empty rooms....