A fragment of the ancient landmark has sat near Fleet Street for 100 years.
It's well known that the City of London's ancient walls can still be seen in fragments. But did you know that the Square Mile also sequesters part of the Great Wall of China?
This single block sits in a display cabinet inside — of all places — Dr Johnson's House museum.
It was gifted to the museum in June 1922 by newspaper baron Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, just two months before he died. Northcliffe's brother Cecil Harmsworth had recently purchased and restored the house, and opened it to the public as a museum to the great lexicographer.
Why here? China was among Dr Samuel Johnson's many interests. James Boswell notes as much in his famous biography:
He talked with an uncommon animation of travelling into distant countries; that the mind was enlarged by it, and that an acquisition of dignity of character was derived from it. He expressed a particular enthusiasm with respect to visiting the wall of China.
Johnson never made the arduous journey to China — few tourists did in the 18th century. However, China came to visit him in 1922, when the ailing Viscount handed over the slab of stone as a way of helping Johnson to posthumously fulfil his ambition.
It's not publicly known how Northcliffe came into possession of the block (if, indeed, it is the genuine article). The Chinese don't seem too perturbed that part of their wall is overseas, however, judging by this visit by diplomats.
Dr Johnson's House is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am-5pm. It runs occasional Lates.
