‘Sherlock Holmes’ history of Stonyhurst College on ITV

Stonyhurst College will feature in ITV’s Britain’s Secret Homes – in the first episode of the new series which starts this Friday, June 7th, at 9 pm.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jun 2013, 12:14 BST
George Bonney as the young Conan Doyle, with author Anthony Horowitz at Stonyhurst CollegeGeorge Bonney as the young Conan Doyle, with author Anthony Horowitz at Stonyhurst College
George Bonney as the young Conan Doyle, with author Anthony Horowitz at Stonyhurst College

The historic Hurst Green school was attended by Arthur Conan Doyle and is widely acknowledged to have inspired some of his Sherlock Holmes stories.

Anthony Horowitz, author of the Alex Rider series, Midsomer Murders and Foyle’s War, visited Stonyhurst to explore how the Grade I listed buildings and grounds inspired Conan Doyle to create one of the most famous characters in literature.

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Stonyhurst’s archivist David Knight helped to explain the connection and four Stonyhurst pupils were recruited for the filming of the programme – 13-year-old George Bonney from Barnoldswick played the young Conan Doyle and three sixth formers – Owen Davies from Fence, Tom Baker from Leagram and Alex Johnson from Hurst Green – played the part of his school bullies.

There was even a guest appearance by an Irish bloodhound who played the part of a Baskerville hound!

Stonyhurst College is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in the summer, starting from July 29th, when visitors can view Conan Doyle’s school desk, on which he carved his name.

Related topics:ITVBritainAnthony Horowitz