London: Architecture Tour of Benjamin Franklin House

Visiting the Benjamin Franklin House in London is a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the architectural legacy of one of America’s most renowned figures. This one-hour guided tour invites guests to uncover the rich history and design elements that defined Franklin’s London residence during his time here from 1757 to 1775. As visitors explore the intimate details of Franklin’s life and work, they’ll be captivated by the captivating blend of Georgian and Victorian influences that have been preserved within these storied walls.

Key Points

• The one-hour architecture tour of Benjamin Franklin House in London is priced at $12.95 per person and is available in English with a live tour guide.
• The historic house, which served as Benjamin Franklin’s residence for 16 years, features a mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture and has undergone extensive conservation efforts.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the Craven Street Bones, Hewson’s Anatomy school, Franklin’s kitchen, and the Glass Armonica Room.
• The tour provides insights into Franklin’s experiments, political beliefs, and the influential guests he hosted during his time in the residence.
• The tour has limited accessibility due to uneven floors and stairs, and restrictions on pets, smoking, drinks, flash photography, alcohol, drugs, audio recording, and bare feet.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Benjamin Franklin House offers a one-hour architecture tour that costs $12.95 per person.

The tour is available in English and features a live tour guide. Visitors can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without any upfront payment.

The tour explores the historical significance of Franklin’s only remaining home, which he lived in for 16 years. Guests will discover the property’s original Georgian and Victorian architecture, as well as conservation efforts since the 1730s when the house reopened in 2006.

Historical Significance

As Benjamin Franklin’s only remaining home, the Craven Street house played a significant role in the American statesman’s life, serving as his residence for 16 years from 1757 to 1775.

The Grade I listed building features original Georgian and Victorian architecture, and has undergone extensive conservation efforts since the 1730s, reopening to the public in 2006.

The Grade I listed building features original Georgian and Victorian architecture, having undergone extensive conservation efforts since the 1730s, reopening to the public in 2006.

The historical significance of the house includes:

1. Its status as a rare surviving example of Franklin’s architectural legacy.

2. The presence of the Craven Street Bones and surgeon Hewson’s Anatomy school.

3. The preservation of Franklin’s kitchen and insights into his views on Georgian diet.

4. The house’s connections with Franklin’s influential guests and his experiments.

Tour Highlights

Visitors to Benjamin Franklin House can discover the Craven Street Bones and explore surgeon Hewson’s Anatomy school during the guided tour.

The tour also allows guests to visit Franklin’s kitchen and learn about his views on Georgian diet. In the Parlour, visitors can discover Franklin’s experiments, political beliefs, and connections with influential guests.

The tour culminates in the Glass Armonica Room, where guests can try playing Franklin’s musical invention.

The one-hour tour provides a comprehensive look at Franklin’s life and legacy, with opportunities for questions and discussion throughout.

Visitor Information

Entry to Benjamin Franklin House includes access to the full building and a guided tour lasting approximately one hour, with opportunities for questions and discussion throughout.

Children under 12 enter for free, and carers are admitted at no charge. The on-site gift shop offers a selection of souvenirs.

Accessibility is limited, as the historic building has uneven floors and stairs, and there are no wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Visitors should note the following restrictions: no pets (except assistance dogs), smoking, vaping, drinks, flash photography, alcohol, drugs, audio recording, or bare feet are permitted.

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Accessibility and Restrictions

The historic Benjamin Franklin House has limited accessibility due to its original Georgian and Victorian architecture. The uneven floors and stairs prevent wheelchair access, and the downstairs restrooms lack accessible facilities. While guide and hearing dogs are permitted, pets, smoking, vaping, drinks, flash photography, alcohol, drugs, audio recording, and bare feet are not allowed. This ensures the preservation of the historic property and the comfort of all visitors.

| Accessibility | | |

|————————————|————————————|——————————–|

| Wheelchair Access | ❌ | Not Available |

| Restroom Accessibility | ❌ | No Accessible Facilities |

| Guide/Hearing Dogs | ✔️ | Permitted in All Areas |

| Restrictions | | |

| Pets (except assistance dogs) | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Smoking/Vaping | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Drinks | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Flash Photography | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Alcohol/Drugs | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Audio Recording | ❌ | Not Allowed |

| Bare Feet | ❌ | Not Allowed |

Meeting Point

To begin the tour, visitors are instructed to knock on the door at 36 Craven Street, located below the Benjamin Franklin House sign.

This meeting point provides clear instructions for guests to access the historic site.

Upon arrival, guests can:

1. Locate the door beneath the Benjamin Franklin House sign.

2. Knock on the door to alert staff of their presence.

3. Follow staff directions to proceed with the tour.

4. Get their questions answered and enjoy the one-hour guided experience.

The meeting point ensures a seamless start to the architectural tour of Benjamin Franklin’s only remaining home.

Architectural Exploration

As visitors step inside Benjamin Franklin’s historic home, they embark on an immersive architectural exploration that unveils the property’s rich Georgian and Victorian heritage.

The Grade I listed building features original architecture from the 1730s, offering a glimpse into the period when Franklin resided there.

The tour examines the home’s conservation efforts over the centuries, chronicling its transformation from a private residence to a museum.

Guests discover the architectural details that defined Franklin’s era, gaining insights into the influential statesman’s daily life and the cultural influences that shaped his iconic abode.

Preserving Franklin’s Legacy

Safeguarding Benjamin Franklin’s historic residence has been a paramount concern since its closure in the 1990s.

After a remarkable restoration effort, the Benjamin Franklin House reopened to the public in 2006, showcasing its original Georgian and Victorian architectural features.

The preservation process involved:

1. Extensive research to uncover the property’s rich history and identify necessary structural repairs.

2. Careful conservation of Franklin’s personal belongings and historical artifacts found on-site.

3. Meticulous attention to detail in restoring the home’s period-appropriate furnishings and decor.

4. Implementing accessibility measures while maintaining the integrity of the 18th-century building.

These efforts ensure that Franklin’s legacy continues to captivate and educate visitors for generations to come.

The Sum Up

The Benjamin Franklin House in London offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural beauty of this iconic Georgian and Victorian residence. The one-hour guided tour provides an engaging experience, delving into Franklin’s life and legacy, and showcasing highlights like the Craven Street Bones and Franklin’s kitchen. With free entry for children under 12, this tour is an enlightening and accessible way to uncover the enduring significance of this historic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: