Episode 320: Ben Franklin’s London House

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706, to Abiah Folger and Josiah Franklin. Although Franklin began his life as the youngest son of a youngest son, he traveled through many parts of what is now the northeastern United States and the Province of Quebec and lived in four different cities in three different countries: Boston, Philadelphia, London, and Passy, France.

In honor of Benjamin Franklin’s 316th birthday, Márcia Balisciano, the Founding Director of the Benjamin Franklin House museum in London, joins us to explore Benjamin Franklin’s life in London using details from the largest artifact Franklin left behind: his rented rooms at 36 Craven Street.

This episode is supported by an American Rescue Plan grant to the Omohundro Institute from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

Marcia Baliciano, the Founding Director of the Benjamin Franklin House museum in London, joins us to explore Benjamin Franklin’s life in London. Franklin lived in London between 1757 and 1775. Marcia helps us investigate this period of Franklin’s life using details from the largest artifact Franklin left behind: his rented rooms in the house at 36 Craven Street in London.

During our exploration, Marcia reveals why Benjamin Franklin lived in London between 1757 and 1775. Franklin’s work as a colonial agent, scientist, and postmaster general. And, details about Franklin’s room and life at his home at 36 Craven Street in London.

What You’ll Discover

What brought Benjamin Franklin to London between 1757 and 1775
Franklin as scientist and politician
Why Pennsylvania sent Benjamin Franklin to London in 1757
Proprietary and royal colonies
The Penn Family
Franklin’s ability to conduct diplomacy as a colonial agent
Why colonies employed colonial agents to represent them in London
Franklin’s journey to London in 1757
Franklin’s work and social life in London
Franklin’s rented London home, 36 Craven Street
Benjamin Franklin’s servants
36 Craven Street as an artifact of Benjamin Franklin’s life
Franklin’s family and home life while in London
Franklin’s penchant for entertaining and socializing
Benjamin Franklin’s reputation
The Benjamin Franklin House Historical Experience

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Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if Benjamin Franklin’s residence at 36 Craven Street had been torn down or destroyed? What would we lose in our knowledge about Franklin and the way he lived if we didn’t have this one residence left to tell us about him and his life?