Benjamin Franklin House is a London home which once belonged to the prominent figure in American history and the world, Benjamin Franklin. The house is located at 36 Craven Street, London, near Trafalgar Square. Today, the house has been turned into a museum where the public can see a little bit closer to Benjamin Franklin’s life during his time in London.
Benjamin Franklin
Most people know Benjamin Franklin as one of the founding fathers of USA. What many do not know is that he was more than just a great politician and statesman. He was also an accomplished scientist, musician, and inventor of his time.
Born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin invented numerous inventions such as lightning rod. In his later time, he became a national hero for his success in repealing the unpopular Stamp Act and accomplished diplomat among the French.
The House
The house was built around 1730 and still retains its originality until today including its 18th century paneling, stoves, window, fittings, beams, and brick. Also dubbed as the world’s only remaining Benjamin Franklin home, the house was the resident of the former United States of America president for 16 years from 1757 to 1775. During his 16 years, he was mediating the difficult relationship between Britain and America as well as serving as the Deputy Fostmaster for the Colonies.
The house then served as the first de facto US embassy in Britain. This fact put this house in an even more significant role in Britain-US history. Moreover, the house was also once an anatomy school opened by William Hewson, Franklin’s landlady’s son.
The Museum
The museum offers three different experiences for its visitors. The first one is the Historical Experience facility which presents the life drama of Franklin’s life during his residency. The drama is also supported with lighting and projection technology.
Then there is the Student Science Centre. The Student Science Centre consists of several rooms in the museum that allow students to get maximum educational benefit. In the rooms, students can recreate Benjamin Franklin’s experiments and research. There are History Room, Discovery Room, and Demonstration Room.
History Room displays research works of William Hewson on medical field. Hewson is Polly’s husband who once operated an anatomy school in the house. Discovery Room emphasizes on history with various artifacts and objects for students to identify and explain how they work. Demonstration Room emphasizes in Franklin’s experiments. There are also audiovisual segments which support the scientific explanations.
The last facility is the Scholarship Centre, a research facility which preserves a full-set of Benjamin Franklin’s published papers. This facility serves as the center of Franklin study in Europe.
Visiting Benjamin Franklin House
Opening hours:
Historical Experience: Wednesday to Sunday at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm, and 4.15 pm
Architectural Hours: Monday at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm, 4.15pm
Schools Day: Tuesday
Ticket prices:
Historical Experience
Adult: £7.00
Concession (over 65 years old, friends, and students): £5.00
Under 16 years old: free
Architectural Tour
Adult: £3.50
Under 16 years old: free
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