Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

ITVs new period drama Arthur & George is based on a real life crime mystery that inspired the author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to turn detective.Based on Julian Barnes s novel of the same name, the three-part drama sees Martin Clunes Conan Doyle form a Watson and Holmes style double act with his secretary Alfred “Woodie” Wood, played by Downton Abbey star Charles Edwards.

The plot focuses on the pair's attempts to clear George Edalji, a half Indian solicitor played by Arsher Ali (pictured below) who was imprisoned for a series of bizarre attacks on livestock in a small Staffordshire community in 1903 known as the Great Wyrley outrages.But what do we know about the real Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the writer to whom Benedict Cumberbatch owes so much

He set up an ophthalmology practice in London (a blue plaque marks the spot at No. 2 Upper Wimpole St, London W1) but wrote in his autobiography that not a single patient ever crossed his door. But this did mean that he could dedicate more time to his writing.

(www.radiotimes.com)