This event is part of the Fleet Street Quarter monthly lecture series at Dr Johnson’s House
The Life and Exploits of ‘Faithful Servant Frank’
‘Faithful Frank’ lived just off Fleet Street. He is better known as Francis Barber, friend, servant, and heir of Samuel Johnson, the creator of the Dictionary of the English Language (1755).
Barber’s life story has been documented by others using a compilation of comments and observations made by friends of Samuel Johnson. Not all were favourable. He would have been referred to as Francis, Frank, or in more cruder terms. Johnson’s biographer James Boswell referred to him as ‘honest Francis’.
In this lecture, Angela considers Francis Barber’s life story alongside those of other Black men and women of 18th-century London, creating a frame through which we can consider what Barber’s life may have been like.
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.
This is the first of two lunchtime talks celebrating the life of Francis Barber. Next time, join Angela for a guided walk around the lanes and courtyards of old Fleet Street as Barber would have known them. Check back soon for details.
