| Sons of Lichfield | |
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Samuel Johnson, writer, critic, lexicographer, conversationalist, famous for his Dictionary of English, was born in Lichfield in 1709. His birthplace situated in Breadmarket Street is a museum reflecting his life and work. In 1737, accompanied by the young David Garrick he moved to London where he pursued his literary career. David Garrick, actor, dramatist and theatre manager, spent most of his early life in Lichfield. He attended Lichfield Grammar School, the site of which is in St. Johns Street, and later studied Latin and Greek at a school run by Samuel Johnson. His Lichfield home in Bird Street was demolished in the 19th century. A plaque marks the site. The modern theatre in Castle Dyke bears his name. Elias Ashmole, the founder of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, was born at 5 Breadmarket Street in Lichfield. He attended Lichfield Grammar School in St. Johns Street the site of which is now occupied the Lichfield District Council Chamber. His birthplace, now a solicitor's office, is marked by a plaque. Erasmus Darwin, physician, scientist, inventor and poet, was born in Newark upon Trent but settled in Lichfield in 1756 where he lived until 1780. He was the grand-father of Charles Darwin. His house in Beacon Street on the edge of the Cathedral Close is now a working museum and research centre dedicated to his life and work. |