The surprising link between Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Benedict Cumberbatch was born to play Sherlock Holmes. Literally.

The Sherlock connection runs in his blood.

The star and Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are directly related.

Ancestry researchers recently made an amazing discovery: Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle share a common ancestor.

They’re both descended from John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.

The pair turn out to be 16th cousins, twice removed. Cumberbatch is John of Gaunt’s 17th great-grandson. Doyle is his 15th great-grandson.

What surprises await in your family tree? A little bit of detective work could uncover your very own royal roots.

Or you could discover an unexpected connection to a famous identity.

Start investigating for free with a 14 day trial of Ancestry.