More than 10,000 reference books and publications about Sherlock Holmes are in print and there are more than 350 active Sherlock Holmes societies throughout the world. Clearly Sherlock Holmes and his stories have made a huge impression on fans from all over the globe and these stories have become the standard by which detective stories are judged.

London plays a vital role in most of the Sherlock Holmes books. In fact, the author’s description of the city as a foggy and slightly sinister place full of hansom cabs, bobbies, and miscreants is for many people their only impression of London.

Should such people make a visit to London they would likely be a bit disappointed to see how modern a city it has become, but they would perhaps take comfort in the fact that there are many places and things mentioned in the Sherlock Holmes books that have remained very much as they were. The building at 221B Baker Street still stands, as does Sherlock Holmes’ favourite restaurant, Simpson on the Strand.

Aside from being the author of this amazing detective series, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a doctor and a prolific writer on many other subjects including a series of excellent historical novels. He was keenly aware that his fictional creation, Sherlock Holmes, overshadowed any other accomplishments he might claim in life.

Sherlock Holmes first emerged in 1887 when “A Study in Scarlet” was published, and by 1893 he was “killed off” by his creator in a story called “The Final Problem”.

Doyle hoped that eliminating this flamboyant character from his literary stable would give him time to turn his mind to more serious pursuits, but this was not to be. The resulting public outcry came from far and wide, and it was reported that even Queen Victoria was extremely disappointed by this turn of events.

Conan Doyle felt compelled to resurrect Sherlock Holmes, and he subsequently continued to write about Holmes and his adventures until his death in 1930.

Sherlock Holmes stories have captured the imagination of people all over the world for more than 100 years and their popularity shows no signs of ever fading away.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Address: 221b Baker Street, Marylebone, London NW1 6XE

Telephone: 020 7935 8866

Opening Times

09:30 to 18:00 daily.

Prices

£6 Adults, £4 Children.

Photo courtesy: shining.darkness

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