Conan Doyle Country

Pat Coulter is in East Sussex, where the author gained inspiration for his great detective, Sherlock Holmes.

THIS year marks the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes short story collection, “The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes”.

It’s a double celebration, as 130 years ago Sherlock Holmes made his debut in print with “A Study In Scarlet” in “The Strand” magazine.

Over the years Holmes’s popularity has remained as steadfast as his friendship with Dr Watson, his comrade in deduction and chronicler of his self professed “elementary” clue-busting cases.

Apart from the books, the British sleuth has become the most-portrayed fictional character in film history. Over the decades the world’s most esteemed actors have donned the iconic deerstalker and flamboyant Inverness cape.

We all have our favourite. Basil Rathbone or Peter Cushing? Many fans would give Jeremy Brett their vote for his compelling performance on TV. Now we have a whole new generation of Sherlock fans, thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch giving the role a contemporary twist.

Our latest Sherlock is Sir Ian McKellen. The recent film adaptation is entitled simply “Mr Holmes”. Having hung up the trademark deerstalker, the film finds him settled in retirement, quietly and obscurely residing in a Sussex farmhouse near the coast.

Here he enjoys the simple, rewarding pleasure of beekeeping. Despite advancing years and ailing mental faculties, he still has one last case to solve.

Inspired, I’ve come to East Sussex on the case of Sherlock’s famous author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He lived in this county in the scenic High Weald for the greater part of his life and the area influenced his writing.

My own hound, Poppy – thankfully no relation to the terrifying Baskerville dog – will be helping me search for clues!