221B Baker Street, Residence of Sherlock Holmes

Image courtesy to Wikipedia

221 B Baker Street in London

221 B Baker Street is the residence of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes, which has been mentioned in almost all of the 52 short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is in 'A Study In Scarlet' that Holmes meets Dr. Watson and both agree to share an apartment in the Baker Street.

In the stories the apartment is stated as an upstairs apartment of a residential house. During the period in which Sir Arthur Doyle wrote these stories the street numbers only reached upto 100, probably that it is why he chose the fictional number of 221. During those days this area was known as the ‘Upper Baker Street’. However, when the street numbers were reallocated street numbers from 219 to 229 were allocated to Abbey Road Building Society subsequently named as Abbey National.

Owing to the worldwide popularity of Sherlock Holmes, the company started to recieve a large number of messages for which they even appointed a 'secretary to Sherlock Holmes' who dealt with them. The house contains a picture of Sherlock Holmes on a bronze plaque at the front. A bronze statue of Holmes also stands at the entrance of the Baker Street station which was ordered in 1999.

The exact location of the fictional house has always been a matter of dispute as there are many theories that point to many locations. Now 221B Baker street has become an attraction for tourists and fans who come to visit it from all over the world.

Baker Street Irregulars

Holmes apart from using his extraordinary deductive reasoning, also employed a small group of street lads known as ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’ to get to vital clues. The Baker Street Irregulars feature in many of the stories, and Holmes realized their effectiveness as they instigated least of suspicion.

They were first featuerd in the novel ‘A Study In Scarlet’. The leader of this group was called ‘Wiggins’ and Holmes paid them a shilling a day including any expenses. Holmes also rewarded them with a guinea, worth one pound and one shilling, for vital information on an important case.

Baker Street Irregulars, The Organization

Image Courtesy Wikipedia

FDR, Former US Presidet and a member of 'The Baker Street Irregulars'

There is also a worldwide organization named ‘The Baker Street Irregulars’ founded in 1934 by Christopher Morley for Holmes’ enthusiasts and fans. This organization has members from all around the world who love and admire the great fictional character of Sherlock Holmes.

Prominent members include Rex Stout, Banesh Hoffman, Issac Asimov and former United States presidents Frankiln Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. The present leader of this organization is Michael Whelan. The members gather in New York every year in January for a dinner and to discuss organizational matters.

New Statue For Holmes!

Image Courtesy Wikipedia

London remembers Sherlock Holmes as his statue stands tall

The legendary character of Sherlock Holmes, which has captivated the imagination of millions, was commemorated after the completion of the 100 years since his birth. Detective Shelock Holmes was first featured in ‘A Study In Scarlet’ which is among the most famous and cherished works of literature written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

London is one of the biggest tourist resorts in the world, and among several landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world, many Holmes’ fans also visit the famous residence of the detective. Apartment 221 B in Baker Street has been turned into a museum and in the close vicinity a memorable statue of the Holmes has been erected.The statue closely resembles the illustrations of Holmes made by Sideny Pagot in the earliest published stories.