Sherlock Holmes

“It was a September evening, and not yet seven o’clock, but the day had been a dreary one, and a dense drizzly fog lay low upon the great city. Mud-colored clouds drooped sadly over the muddy streets. Down the Strand the lamps were but misty splotches of diffused light which threw a feeble circular glimmer upon the slimy pavement. The yellow glare from the shop-windows streamed out into the steamy, vaporous air, and threw a murky, shifting radiance across the crowded thoroughfare. There was, to my mind, something eerie and ghost-like in the endless procession of faces which flitted across these narrow bars of light,–sad faces and glad, haggard and merry. Like all human kind, they flitted from the gloom into the light, and so back into the gloom once more.” from ‘The Sign of the Four’ by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (creator of the mythical figure – Sherlock Holmes)

Sherlock Holmes in typical pose

I took a trip into London today to meet up with a friend for coffee (well actually I had hot chocolate ).  We had arranged to meet at Baker Street station in front of the statue of Sherlock Holmes that stands a few feet away from the entrance of the station in Marylebone Street

Sherlock Holmes - Marylebone Street near Baker Street station

“It was a wet rainy day, the gloom hung heavy in the air.  A soft rain fell persistently, creating dank, dark puddles of viscous water. Pedestrians, their faces reflecting the gloom of the day hurried by, desperate and harried as they rushed to their destinations, eager to step out the wet”. (thats my contribution!) and yes, it was a wet, rainy day today and thats pretty much how it was albeit still August….but I was in no hurry… I had photos to take.  So after meeting with my friend I made my way along the wet pavements to the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street to see for myself, this famous address. 

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Although the address is indeed fictitious and purely the invention of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, it is fun to see this famous house where apparently Sherlock Holmes solved so many of his mysteries. The address 221b boasts the doorbell that Sherlock Holmes supposedly used.

221b Baker Street - home of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes and Dr John H Watson lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881-1904, according to the stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

Sherlock Holmes lived here 1881 -1904

 The house was last used as a lodging house in 1936 and the famous 1st floor study overlooking Baker Street is still faithfully  maintained as it was kept in Victorian Times.  I managed to catch a glimpse of the interior of the house and it is beautifully appointed in the style of the times.

interior of 221b Baker Street - home of Sherlock Holmes

The museum looks like it could be really fun to visit; the admission price is currently £6.00 per adult and £4.00 for children. Opening times 9.30am – 6pm daily except Christmas Day when it is closed.

Nearest tube station is Baker Street on Jubilee, Bakerloo, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City Lines.  Exit into Baker Street, turn right and walk towards the end of the block cross over and next to the beatles memorabilia shop is the museum.  To see the statue, exit into Marylebone Street and turning to your left walk along the pavement where you will see the statue….. you can’t miss it. Enjoy and have fun on your 3 days in London.