I’ve always been fascinated by Sherlock Holmes. There’s something timeless about the world’s greatest detective—his sharp wit, brilliant deductions, and the foggy streets of Victorian London where he operates. Even if you’ve never read the original stories, you’ve likely encountered the character in one form or another. Holmes has appeared in countless adaptations, from movies and TV shows to comics and even video games. But how much do we really know about this iconic figure? Here are some intriguing facts about Sherlock Holmes that might surprise even the most dedicated fans.
Sherlock Holmes Was Inspired by a Real Doctor
Arthur Conan Doyle based Sherlock Holmes on a real person—Dr. Joseph Bell, one of his university professors. Bell had a remarkable ability to deduce a patient’s condition just by observing them. Doyle was so impressed that he shaped Holmes’ methodical, observation-driven detective work around Bell’s techniques.
Sherlock Never Actually Says “Elementary, My Dear Watson”
One of the most famous lines associated with Sherlock Holmes is “Elementary, my dear Watson,” but he never actually says it in any of the original stories. The closest he comes is saying “Elementary” on its own in The Crooked Man. The full phrase became popular through film adaptations in the 20th century.
Conan Doyle Tried to Kill Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle wasn’t as fond of Sherlock Holmes as the public was. In 1893, he wrote The Final Problem, where Holmes plunges to his death with his nemesis, Professor Moriarty, at Reichenbach Falls. But the public outrage was so strong that Doyle was forced to bring Holmes back for more adventures, beginning with The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Sherlock Was Nearly Sherrinford Holmes
Before settling on “Sherlock,” Conan Doyle considered naming his famous detective “Sherrinford Holmes.” The name Sherrinford was later given to Sherlock’s eldest brother in modern adaptations, including the BBC’s Sherlock series.
Sherlock Holmes Is the Most Filmed Literary Character
According to Guinness World Records, Sherlock Holmes holds the record for the most portrayed literary character in film and TV. Over 250 actors have taken on the role, from Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett to Robert Downey Jr. and Benedict Cumberbatch.
221B Baker Street Didn’t Exist in Conan Doyle’s Time
Though Sherlock Holmes famously lived at 221B Baker Street in London, that address didn’t exist during Conan Doyle’s time. The street numbers didn’t go that high. Today, though, there is a museum dedicated to Sherlock Holmes at the very same address.
The Deerstalker Hat Wasn’t in the Books
The famous deerstalker hat that Sherlock Holmes is often seen wearing was never actually mentioned in Conan Doyle’s stories. It was the creation of illustrator Sidney Paget, who drew Holmes for the Strand Magazine in which the stories were published. Paget’s illustrations gave Holmes many of his iconic features, including the hat and cape.
Sherlock Holmes Almost Had a Different Sidekick
Before deciding on Dr. Watson, Conan Doyle toyed with the idea of giving Sherlock Holmes a very different companion. Some early drafts featured Holmes working alongside a bumbling inspector named Gregson. Fortunately for readers, Watson became Holmes’ loyal partner.
Holmes and Watson Only Share a Room Once
In the popular imagination, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are long-time flatmates. However, in the original stories, Watson only lives with Holmes at 221B Baker Street for a short period, after which he moves out upon getting married. Despite this, Watson remains Holmes’ close friend and confidant throughout.
Sherlock Holmes Was a Violinist
Sherlock Holmes wasn’t just a brilliant detective—he was also a talented violinist. In multiple stories, he is described as playing the violin to help him think or relax. His musical ability is yet another facet of his complex character.
Sherlock Holmes Is a Boxing Champion
Holmes isn’t just a brainiac—he’s also physically capable. He’s an expert boxer and even describes himself as having “some knowledge of baritsu,” a fictional martial art based on real techniques. His combat skills come in handy when he confronts criminals face-to-face.
Sherlock’s Cases Were Loosely Based on Real Crimes
Many of Sherlock Holmes’ cases were inspired by actual crimes of the Victorian era. Conan Doyle was fascinated by true crime stories and often used them as a starting point for his fictional mysteries. For instance, The Adventure of the Cardboard Box was based on a grisly murder involving severed ears.
Sherlock Holmes Had an Older Brother Named Mycroft
Holmes wasn’t the only detective in his family. His older brother, Mycroft Holmes, appears in several stories and is said to be even more intelligent than Sherlock. However, Mycroft lacks his brother’s energy for fieldwork and prefers to work behind the scenes, aiding the government with his brilliance.
Arthur Conan Doyle Was Knighted—But Not for Sherlock Holmes
Arthur Conan Doyle was knighted by King Edward VII in 1902, but his knighthood wasn’t awarded for his creation of Sherlock Holmes. Instead, Doyle received the honour for his work in writing a pamphlet defending Britain’s role in the Boer War, along with his contributions to medicine.
These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
The Titanic, perhaps the most legendary ship ever, was a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering, funded by American tycoon J.P. Morgan and constructed at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard. Thanks to the movie and other works of popular fiction, any people think they know everything there is to know about the Titanic, but they’re wrong.
Read More: These 23 Titanic Facts That Will Make You See the Tragedy in a New Light
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
