Who was Dr Johnson?
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Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): 18th-century scholar and wit who compiled the first definitive dictionary of English in the attic of his modest house in Gough Square, just off Fleet Street.

Imagine what an enormous undertaking that was without the benefits of a computer! The six scribes and assistants, who stood all day at high desks to complete the work that was published in 1755, would be wonderstruck today by the capabilities of a spellchecker... or maybe not! Scotsman James Boswell, the good doctor's biographer, noted: '... let it be remembered by the natives of North Britain, to whom he is supposed to be hostile, that five of [these assistants] were of that country.'

Dr Johnson lived at 17 Gough Square from 1748 to 1759 - the house was built before 1700 - and frequented Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, an inn at nearby Wine Office Court, 145 Fleet Street. His close friend was a brewer, Henry Thrale. When Thrale died, Dr Johnson went to the brewery sale and encouraged bidders with the words: 'The potential of growing rich beyond the dreams of avarice.'

The scholar is commemorated in an annual service held at Westminster Abbey on December 18. To the East of St Clement Danes (Strand WC2) is a statue to Dr Johnson who often went to services there.