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Benjamin Franklin House
Benjamin Franklin House Review
This architecturally significant 1730 house is the only surviving residence of American statesman, scientist, writer, and inventor Benjamin Franklin, who lived and worked here for 16 years preceding the American Revolution. The restored Georgian town house has been left unfurnished, the better to show off the original features—18th-century paneling, stoves, beams, bricks, and windows. Visitors are led around the house by the costumed character of Polly Hewson, the daughter of Franklin's landlady. There's also a glass armonica (an instrument which Franklin invented while living here) and a scholarship center with a complete collection of Franklin's papers. On Monday you can take a guided tour focusing on the architectural details of the building.
- Address: 36 Craven St., Covent Garden, London, WC2N 5NF | Map It
- Phone: 020/7839-2006; 020/7925-1405 booking line
- Cost: Historical experience £7; architectural tour £3.50
- Hours: Historical Experience Wed.--Sun. noon, 1, 2, 3:15 and 4:15; Architectural tour Mon. noon, 1, 2, 3:15 and 4:15
- Website: www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org
- Location: Soho and Covent Garden
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