Famous London Dwellers: Houses and Museums

In the heart of London, just steps from Trafalgar Square, is Benjamin Franklin House. For nearly 16 years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin – scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of the United States and more – lived behind its doors. Visit, and you can experience the historic life and times of Franklin.

Historian, social writer, ethical thinker and speaker, Thomas Carlyle lived in this Chelsea house from 1834 to 1881. His wife Jane is considered one of the finest 19th-century women of letters. Opened in 1895 as a literary shrine, the house contains the Carlyles' furniture, books, pictures and possessions, and other memorabilia.

This house in Bloomsbury was Dickens' home from 1837-39, in which time he wrote Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist. The museum features displays of letters, pictures, first editions, furniture and memorabilia in the restored rooms. There are usually temporary exhibitions.

See the study where Darwin wrote On the Origin of Species, stroll through the gardens that inspired the scientist, and glimpse into the life of the Darwins in the family rooms. And there's an interactive xmultimedia tour of Down House, narrated by David Attenborough, to tell you more about how Darwin developed his ideas.

This early 18th-century house near Regent Street is where Samuel Johnson lived while he compiled his famous dictionary. The house contains its original Virginia pine panelling and staircase, as well as the garret workroom where Johnson compiled his incredible work. The first edition of Dr Johnson's dictionary is housed here.

Travel through three pavilions which take you on a journey through the life and times of the "Lady with the Lamp", Florence Nightingale. From her Victorian childhood to the Crimean War and onto her years as an ardent campaigner, the Florence Nightingale Museum also looks at why we remember this woman today. 

Sigmund Freud and his family came to England in 1938 as refugees from Nazi-occupied Vienna. His London home in Hampstead is now preserved as it was when he lived here, including his library papers, collection of antiquities and furniture, his desk and that famous couch. The first floor contains exhibitions and a video room.

This beautifully preserved house, with its restored Georgian interiors was home to George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was here that Handel composed Messiah, Zadok the Priest and Music for the Royal Fireworks. The museum hosts regular live music, special exhibitions and other public events.

Hogarth was a celebrated artist and satirist, whose work, such as A Harlot's Progress, A Rake's Progress and Marriage à-la-Mode, mocked 18th-century society. As the name suggests, Hogarth's House is where he lived before he died in 1764, and it's here that you'll find the most extensive collection of his prints on public display.

One of England's most famous romantic poets lived in this pretty house in Hampstead between 1818 and 1820. The house, together with the next-door property – once home to Fanny Brawne, the object of Keats' affections – is now a museum to Keats' work. Pop in to see paintings, prints and relics belonging to him and his contemporaries.