Benjamin Franklin House – London, England - Atlas Obscura
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Benjamin Franklin House

London, England

One of America's founding fathers lived in this London lodging between 1757 and 1775.  

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Whilst there have been many notable visitors to 36 Craven St over the years, the most famous was Dr. Benjamin Franklin. One of the founding fathers of the United States, Franklin was also a scientist, diplomat, philosopher, and inventor and stayed here for almost 16 years between 1757 and 1775 when he was based in London as the chief colonial diplomat. The house is in a row of terraced Georgian properties built around 1730 and is the last of Franklin’s former residences still standing.

Built around 1730, this property originally served as a lodging house. Following extensive refurbishment, the house opened as a museum and educational facility in 2006 to coincide with Franklin’s 300th birthday. To remain true to its heritage, the house does not have anything not originally found inside and is therefore predominantly unfurnished.

Know Before You Go

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am–5 pm with the last entry at 4:15 pm. Entry to the museum is £9.50 for adults. The nearest tube stations are Charing Cross or Embankment, each is about a three-minute walk away.


The house is on Craven Street, adjacent to Craven Passage. It's signposted and often patriotically decorated outside. 

benjamin franklin founding fathers houses history & culture
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December 12, 2022
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