The Life and Exploits of ‘Faithful Servant Frank’
Tuesday 27 October, 12.30pm – 2pm
Walking Tour
‘Faithful Frank’ lived just off Fleet Street. He is better known as Francis Barber who was the Black servant to Dr Samuel Johnson, whose Dictionary was of crucial importance in the development of the English language.
Barber’s life story has been documented using a compilation of comments by friends of Samuel Johnson and their observations. Not all were favourable. During this walk, you will hear Barber’s life story alongside those of other Black people like him in 18th-century London, and get a sense of what life really was like for them.
Join Angela Morgan for a walk through the lanes and courtyards of old Fleet Street Quarter, where Frank lived and worked. See the places that are still here today that Barber would have seen or visited in his day.
Angela Morgan
Angela Morgan is a Blue Badge Tourist Guide. She is very interested in the history of the lived experience of Black people in London during the 18th century.
Timings:
Sandwich lunch: 12.30pm – 1pm
Walking Tour: 1pm – 2pm (Guided tour starts and ends in Gough Square)
IMAGE CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons. John Collet (c.1725-1780) – May Morning – 84.166 – London Museum
CELEBRATING FRANCIS BARBER
This event forms part of our celebration of the life of Francis Barber, friend, servant, and heir to Dr Samuel Johnson.
A City of London Blue Plaque commemorating the life and legacy of Francis Barber was installed at 17 Gough Square on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
