“A curious discovery” they whispered. Before you stands the Benjamin Franklin House a Grade I listed building. This unassuming Georgian house at 36 Craven Street holds a captivating secret. It’s the last remaining London residence of Benjamin Franklin one of America’s Founding Fathers.
Franklin lived and worked here from 1757 to 1774. Imagine the bustling London streets outside. Picture Franklin himself pacing these very floors. He was more than a statesman. He was a scientist inventor diplomat. He was a man of many talents. He pursued his passions within these walls.
During renovations in 1998 archaeologists made a startling find. They unearthed human remains. Ten individuals were identified including what appeared to be children. Tests revealed these bones were about 200 years old. Were they victims of foul play? The mystery deepened.
It turned out that a close friend of Franklin lived here too. William Hewson an anatomist conducted secret dissections. Legal issues surrounded this practice at that time. Hewson used the house for his work. Franklin likely knew what Hewson was doing. Yet it is unlikely that he participated. The Benjamin Franklin House silently guarded this secret for centuries.
Today the house stands as a museum. It showcases Franklin’s life and work in London. You can see original features. There are original floorboards ceilings and staircases. The museum even has a playable replica glass harmonica based on Franklin’s design. The house also offers a fascinating “Historical Experience”. Actors portray historical figures. They use sound lighting and special effects. Polly Stevenson Hewson Franklin’s landlady’s daughter is one such character.
The Benjamin Franklin House is more than just a building. It’s a portal to the past. It tells the story of a remarkable man. It whispers secrets from London’s vibrant history. Step inside and discover the stories within its walls.