One of the most influential contributions to the modern English language, DR Samuel Johnson's Dictionary, is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, there will be a free open day at Johnson's 18th Century House on Friday.
The physician made his name when he published the first comprehensive English dictionary in 1755. The huge two-volume tome took 9 years to complete, defined 40,000 words and included 140,000 quotations, used to illustrate a words meaning.
Dr Samuel Johnson is also well known (to londoners at least) for two lines from his poem 'London':
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life;
for there is in London all that life can afford."
His house, which is just of Fleet Street, is the only house with Grade I status in the City, and the only one of Johnson's London homes still standing.
Also commemorating the anniversary, the Royal Mint has released a special set of 50p in Johnson's honour. 'His dictionary had a huge effect on the English language - it's a masterpiece,' a spokesman from the mind added.
For more information on Dr Johnson's House, click on the link. And for more information and things to do in London visit this London Guide and to book a london hotel see our london Hotel home page.
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