London: Architecture Tour of Benjamin Franklin House

About this tour

The Architectural Tour explores both the history of Benjamin Franklin and the House itself from the 1730s to the modern day conservation project which saw the House open in 2006.
Our tour leads you through the building, exploring who Benjamin Franklin was and why he came to London. As you travel through the House, our guide weaves the architectural history with Franklin’s story, discovering Georgian food in our kitchen and Franklin’s thoughts on the London diet. As we head upstairs, we learn about Margaret Stevenson, the wealthy widow from whom Franklin rented. In her parlour, you’ll hear about the influential guests Franklin met with and discussed current affairs with, but also about Franklin’s relationship with the Stevenson family and his own family.
We head to Franklin’s Parlour, the floor he rented for 16 years, to hear about his experiments, his political beliefs and actions, as well as his eccentric personality. Franklin left London and the Stevenson family in 1776 when he returned to America to sign the Declaration of Independence, never to return to London.
Finally, we head to the Glass Armonica Room where guests are invited to try their hand at playing a tune on Franklin’s instrument.

Tours last about an hour. Visitors are welcome and encouraged to take photos and ask questions!