Open House Festival

Neighbourhoods

Back to neighbourhoods

Fleet Street

The area that gave birth to the printing industry still contains echoes of its publishing past. Discover a fascinating range of venues from Dr Johnson’s House, St Bride’s ‘the journalists’
church’, Stationers’ Hall, and the Maughan library. A few steps further and you’ll be at Middle Temple law chambers opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.

Drop in

Dr Johnson's House

historical house

Fine example of an early 5-floor Queen Anne town house with original panelling, open staircase and unique 'swinging panels' on the open-plan first floor. Johnson compiled his famous 'Dictionary of the English Language' (1755) here.

Richard Gough, 1690

Talk

Fleet Street Heritage Wall and Sundial

art in the public realm, walk/tour, monument, scientific

The Fleet Street Heritage Wall comprises 86 A3 information panels about the people, places, ideas and newspapers which made the name of Fleet Street famous throughout the world. Each Saturday and Sunday from 10 until 4, Piers Nicholson, who created the Heritage Sundial above the Wall, will speak on the project and its innovative features which will make it widely accessible to all comers.

Piers Nicholson, 2025

London's first fireproof building, built to house records of the Court of Chancery. Now renovated to house a fine university library.

Sir John Taylor, Sir James Pennethorne, 1851

Drop in

Stationers' Hall

livery hall, historical house, event

17C livery hall with courtroom and garden. Oak panelling and stained glass windows. Undamaged in WWII. Recently refurbished new rooms and air-cooling within, including a new lift for step-free access into the Hall. Selected items from the archives on display. Book binding exhibition in the Hall.

Robert Mylne, 1673

Drop in

St Bride's Church, Fleet Street

religious, museum

Wren designed building of 1675, interior lost in blitz of 1940, reopened 1957 with 'Wren inspired' interior

Christopher Wren , 1675

The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple is one of the four Inns of Court, exclusively entitled to Call their members to the Bar of England and Wales. We provide support, education and accomodation to barristers at every stage of their careers. Middle Temple Hall, Bench apartments, and Middle Temple Library will be open to the public on Sunday 14 September from 12-4pm. Last entry is at 3.45pm.