Detail of a portrait by H.L. Gates, 1927: National Portrait Gallery, London
May 22, 1859 - July 7, 1930
Arthur Charles Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859 in Edinburgh. Best known for his writing of fifty-six short stories and three novels with Sherlock Holmes as the principal character, Dr. Doyle practiced medicine until 1891. He was knighted on August 9, 1902 for his work with Langmans Field Hospital in South Africa.
A prolific writer and an early proponent of a tunnel connecting England and France, he was also responsible for introducing downhill skiing into Switzerland, metal helmets for combat soldiers and the inflatable life-preserver for sailors. He makes a number of Masonic references in his writings, none of them key to his story development.
Initiated: January 26, 1887|
Passed: February 23, 1887
Raised: March 23, 1887
Phoenix Lodge 257, Southsea Hampshire