The surprising link between Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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ANCESTRY^® BLOG

Key Takeaways

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are directly related and share a common ancestor.
Both men are descended from John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.
The pair are 16th cousins, twice removed, making Cumberbatch the 17th great-grandson and Doyle the 15th great-grandson of John.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle revealed to be cousins

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.

Cumberbatch to Doyle Ancestry Connection Chart high res-01

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.