Animal lovers and literary enthusiasts, listen up! Have you ever heard of Hodge the Cat? If you haven’t, know he wasn’t just any cat. This pampered kitty was the beloved pet of Samuel Johnson, the famous writer who created the first English dictionary.
I found this statue completely by accident in the summer of 2022 while walking from Blackfriars Underground toward the Camera Museum. I turned around Fleet Street and found myself around Gough Square, where a small statue caught my attention. That was the statue of Hodge the Cat.
Nowadays, Hodge has a permanent spot in London history, thanks to a charming statue near Fleet Street, around Gough Square.
If you’re exploring London and love cats like I do, it’s the purr-fect little detour for a dose of cuteness and literary history.
Hodge the Cat’s London: A Whisker Away on Fleet Street
Samuel Johnson, often referred to as Dr. Johnson was a prominent English writer and intellectual of the 18th century. He contributed significantly to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, editor, and lexicographer. His most famous work, “A Dictionary of the English Language,” published in 1755, was a groundbreaking achievement that helped standardize English spelling and usage.
Johnson’s legacy as a man of letters and his impact on the English language continues to be recognized and celebrated today. Hodge was his cat.
Hodge wasn’t your average alley cat. Samuel Johnson adored him and even went out of his way to buy fresh oysters for the little guy. He also inspired poems and tales of his life with the esteemed dictionary writer. Imagine having your own personal servant fetching you delicious seafood every day!
Hodge’s bronze statue sits outside Dr. Samuel Johnson’s old house, now a museum. He’s perched on top of a giant dictionary, keeping a watchful eye on the square. Even a few empty oyster shells are scattered around, a reminder of his luxurious lifestyle. The statue is inscribed with a sweet quote from Johnson himself: “A very fine cat indeed.” And I really believe he was.
When you go visit Hodge the Cat statue, don’t forget your camera! It’s a great way to add a feline touch to your London adventures and pay tribute to a cat who lived a life most of us can only dream of.
So, whether you’re a cat lover, a bookworm, or someone who appreciates a good story, visit Hodge the Cat during your next trip to London.
How to Get to Hodge the Cat
Ready to say hello to Hodge? It’s easy! Just head towards Dr. Samuel Johnson’s House, located off Fleet Street. Follow the signs, and you’ll find yourself in a charming square where Hodge awaits your visit.
The map below might help you out.
London’s Ode to a Famous Feline: Hodge the Cat
2 Gough Square, London
United Kingdom
