BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE, London – A PRIVATE TOUR to learn about the history and stunning architecture of this special building.
Date: Monday 18 January 2027
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Cost: £38pp (18 people maximum)
We had a really fascinating private tour of the BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOUSE in September, all my guests really loved it – so I immediately booked another tour so that more of you can discover the history of this special building and the people who lived and worked here.
As I’m sure you know, Dr Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was an American polymath, physicist, philosopher, statesman, and inventor, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. This is the world’s only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin.
July 4th 2026 marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America, so this is a significant time to enjoy a private tour of this house that Franklin called home during his years in London. We’ll see several artefacts belonging to Franklin and learn about his time in the UK as Chief Colonial Diplomat, when his time here encompassed much more than politics.
We’ll also learn about the gruesome history of the Hewson anatomy school, which was based in the house in the late 18th century.
Most of the interiors of the earlier houses on Craven Street (c. 1730-35) are panelled (see Benjamin Franklin’s parlour – below). The chief rooms, including the hall and stairs, have “fielded” panels in two heights, divided by a chair rail and finished with a fine moulded cornice. The upper rooms are generally finished with plain panelling.
36 Craven Street is a Grade I listed building, which retains many of its original features, including the staircase, floorboards, wall panelling, and fireplaces.
During the 20th century, the house served as a hotel and a base for several non-profit groups. By the end of the century, when the British government granted the Friends of Benjamin Franklin House the freehold of 36 Craven Street, the property was in dire condition.
We’ll hear how, in 1998, the management team, numerous organisations, and many volunteers worked tirelessly on a conservation project that saved this now Grade I-listed house from dereliction.
I think you will enjoy our atmospheric, winter morning tour, as we learn more about this important building and reflect on Benjamin Franklin’s legacy.
Image credits: Main image, interior fireplace and view of the back of the house – c. Sue Stamp / Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin 1767 – public domain – all other images courtesy of Benjamin Franklin House Museum
Need to know
Meet: Outside The Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven Street, London, WC2N 5NF