Things You Don't Necessarily Need to Know - Useless Facts

Facts about 'Sherlock'

Thanks to AmazinglyNerdy for suggesting the topic! You can all look forward to Facts about 'Supernatural' for tomorrow!

371. There is no 221B Baker Street. In Holmes' time, Baker Street was short, barely over a quarter of a mile, and house numbers only got up to number 85. In 1930, it was renamed Baker Street, requiring a renumbering. A Georgian house, No. 41 Upper Baker Street, was redesignated 221 Baker Street but was demolished the same year.

372. Matt Smith, the eleventh Doctor, auditioned for the role of Dr. Watson but he was only known for some minor TV appearances which is why he wasn't cast. He later admitted he would have been a little to 'skewed' for the role anyway.

373. The London Riots in 2011 interrupted the filming of Sherlock's second series due to security measurements. The scene in question was the closing of 'A Scandal In Belgravia' where Mycroft and Watson meet in Speedy's. The filming was rushed, with the cast and crew about getting the footage needed for the episode before they had to flee the approaching violence. 

374. Speedy's Cafe, which is often frequented by Holmes and Watson in the series, is a real café on Gower Street, near Euston. You can enjoy specially created Sherlock-themed snacks, specifically the Sherlock Wrap (chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, lettuce, peppers, red onion, cucumber, chilli sauce – all "wrapped up as tightly as Sherlock's personality") or the Watson Wrap (roasted vegetables, spinach, tomatoes, spring onion, Brie, sour cream – "safe, warm, and comforting, like his personality"). A Moriarty sub is reportedly in the works.

375. In a scene from 'The Blind Banker', John throws a pen to Sherlock, who catches it without even looking at it. Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch made the catch on the first take (using a mirror so he could see it coming), but the cameraman was too slow and missed it. He got it again on the third.

376. In Conan Doyle's 'A Scandal in Bohemia', Sherlock says there are 17 steps on the stairs leading up to their quarters at 221B Baker Street. As a reference to this, there are 17 steps leading to the first floor of the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and another 17 between the hall and front room on the Cardiff set of Sherlock.

377. In 'A Study In Pink', Anderson calls Holmes a psychopath. Holmes replies, "Do your research, Anderson. I'm a high-functioning sociopath." Not true, according to psychologist Maria Konnikova, who convincingly argues that Sherlock is altogether too loving, empathetic, and aware of his own faults to be considered a sociopath.

378. Benedict Cumberbatch's preparations for looking like Sherlock include intense Bikram yoga sessions, swimming, and no smoking or drinking during filming. But there's one thing he especially hates doing: growing his hair. As he told The Times, "I can't think of a wittier or even accurate comparison, but I just think it makes me look a bit like... a woman."

379. The pool where Moriarty tries to kill Holmes and Watson at the end of season one is the Bristol South Swimming Pool. This is where the young Mark Gatiss (Mycroft Holmes) learnt to swim.

380. The villain's mansion, called Appledore, is owned in real life by one of the country's most successful engineers - but millionaire Sir David McMurtry does not live there because his wife thinks it is too flashy.