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Benjamin Franklin House

16:37 Mon 24th May 2010 |

Benjamin Franklin House in the heart of London is a heritage 'gem.' The world's only remaining home of Benjamin Franklin was opened to the public for the first time on 17 January 2006, Ben Franklin's 300th birthday, as a dynamic museum and educational facility, encompassing a historical experience, a student science centre and a scholarship centre.

The House, built circa 1730, is architecturally significant. It holds a Grade I listing and retains a majority of original features (central staircase; lathing; 18th century panelling; stoves; windows; fittings; beams; brick, etc) 'unimproved' over time.

Franklin lived and worked there for sixteen years on the eve of the American Revolution. It is the first de facto US Embassy and holds a special place in Anglo-American history. There is a fascinating history of medicine dimension - Franklin's landlady's son-in-law ran an anatomy school from Craven Street.
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is considered the father of electricity, through his inventions, writings, and extensive activities as a printer, philosopher and more, Franklin helped advance the Age of Enlightenment.

As a key founder of the United States, he is the only statesman to have signed all four documents that created a new nation: The Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris establishing peace with Britain (1783) and The Constitution (1787).

The Historical Experience Show runs at 12, 1pm, 2pm, 3.15pm and 4.15pm Wednesday to Sunday all year round. Tickets can be booked online or at the box office by phone or in person tel: 0207 925 1405 (On Tuesdays the House and Box Office are closed for weekly Student Free Day and tickets can be booked on 0207 839 2006).

Each Monday, as an alternative to the Historical Experience, there are tours with on the history of Benjamin Franklin House with a guide.  Monday Guided Tours 12.00, 1.00, 2.00, 3.15 and 4.15.


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Contact details for Benjamin Franklin house tel: +44 (0)207 839 2006, email: [email protected]

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