Skip to main content

Dr Samuel Johnson's big day

An 18th-century wedding for the father of the English dictionary

The great English lexicographer and man of letters Dr Samuel Johnson was married at St Werburgh's Church in Derby, now in our care. 

Johnson and his bride rode on horseback to the wedding on 9th July 1735, as recounted in Boswell's Life of Samuel Johnson.

Statue of woman's face leaning with head on hand wearing greek robes

St Werburgh's Church, Derby - intricately carved statue

© Graham White

Keep up to date with the latest news and content about our work

Sign up to our newsletter
Back to top