Benjamin Franklin's House

Basically, Benjamin Franklin's home in London from 1757 to 1775 can be thought of as the first American Embassy. His house at 36 Craven St. is the only remaining residence of Benjamin Franklin today and very cool to see. He lived in London with the family of Margaret Stevenson and his one son and grandson moved with him. His wife Deborah stayed at home in the colonies. While he was living here, aside from working as a scientist, inventor, political journalist, and philosopher, Franklin acted as a colonial agent trying to broker a deal between England and the American Colonies about the appropriate level of taxation and representation. The house has been completely restored to its 18th century allure and opened on Franklin's 300th birthday to the public for tours. It cost £5 (student rate, £7 for adults) to go on a 40 minute tour of the house. I thought the tour itself was pretty corny. The tour started with a 5 minute video in the basement about the basics of Franklin, and then a guide dressed in 18th century attire walked us from the basement up through the first two levels of the house. In each room, a projection would play and the tour guide, acting as the daughter of Margaret Stevenson, would talk back as part of the play. I would have rather just read information on panels along the house, but I guess some people must like this sort of quasi-play-tour... I asked the people and they said that they get mostly Americans on the tour. Overall if you love Benjamin Franklin like I do, I'd recommend going to see the house, but skipping the tour. Upstairs is pretty much the same as downstairs and you'll save yourself some money.

His house, outside, 36 Craven St. Only a two minute walk from Trafalgar Square, but hidden so you'd probably need a map.

A room on the second floor. Almost all of the rooms seemed to have fireplaces.