Meeting Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson
Source: London, England -- The Interior of 221 B Baker Street.
I had but recently inherited 221 Baker Street when I decided it was too large for one person. The area that my late husband used as his office as an architect whilst we were building our permanent home would make an ideal flat to let out. It had a large, open room with a fireplace and 2 large windows that would make a very generous sitting room, with 2 smaller rooms a few stairs up that would be perfect bedrooms. I no sooner advertised the rooms to let when I was approached by a man but a few years my junior named Sherlock Holmes. My first impression was that he was a somewhat intense and serious gentleman. He desired the rooms but was dismayed when I told him the cost. He asked me to give him a day or two to see if he could enlist another man to share the rent. I enquired about his profession and was utterly surprised by his answer – that he was the first and only consulting detective.
He returned a day later with another gentleman, Dr. John H. Watson. The two had met through a mutual acquaintance. Upon inspection of the rooms they decided to share the accommodations and thus began, to my increasing interest and involvement, a partnership that would eventually become known worldwide.
Source: Illustration by Sidney Paget.
Dr. Watson began to write of their adventures. His ability to expound on the famous crime-solving prowess of Mr. Holmes drew great public attention. As their landlady I was drawn into their lives, work and eccentricities which led dear Dr. Watson to describe Sherlock Holmes as the very worst tenant in London - much to my amusement.
I soon realized that I had a distinct and privileged view on the life and times of these two singular gentlemen. I decided to then to write about the context and impact of various aspects Victorian and Edwardian society upon them and myself. Of particular interest to me personally are the different types of food they might encounter along their way. I enjoy cooking and the discussions will often lead me to include recipes that are relevant in some way to the topics I may cover.
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