221B, or How a Wish Came True

“I was fifteen when I first met Sherlock Holmes, fifteen years old with my nose in a book as I walked the Sussex Downs, and nearly stepped on him. In my defense I must say it was an engrossing book, and it was very rare to come across another person in that particular part of the world in that war year of 1915.” 

― Laurie R. King, The Beekeeper's Apprentice.


I have been a mystery fan ever since I first read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes as a child. In 1996, while studying abroad in Paris, I traveled to London with a friend for a weekend. We tromped around the city, visiting various sites and marveling at the beauty and history of this incredible city.

But we had a problem--I wanted to visit 221B and she wanted to see the Crown Jewels. 

Despite valiant attempts, I was unable to convince her of the importance of a museum to a fictitious character. Rocks won out, and off we went to the Tower of London.

Since then, I vowed that come what may, I would one day visit the infamous lodgings of the world's greatest consulting detective. And today, amidst a line and threatening skies, I fulfilled my wish. 

The museum did not disappoint. Full of eccentric memorabilia, artwork from the books, period furniture, and an audible Hound of the Baskervilles, the creaky old apartment seemed only recently exited by the tall figure in a deerstalker cap and long overcoat, striding out in a trailing cloud of pipe smoke.