22 Mind-Blowing Facts About Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

13. He Was A Doctor Without Patients

Conan Doyle was an ophthalmologist - or medical eye specialist - and he set-up an independent practice in London. His practice - at 2 Upper Wimpole Street - was highly unsuccessful, however, and due to his lack of patients he was able to pen his Sherlock Holmes stories and other novels during his spare time. He once wrote of his medical practice:

"Every morning I walked from the lodgings at Montague Place, reached my consulting room at 10 and sat there until three or four, with never a ring to disturb my serenity."

A Westminster Council plaque is still in place over the front door of 2 Upper Wimpole Street to commemorate Conan Doyle's time there.