When Google Gave Sir Arthur Conan Doyle a Birthday Gift

by Scott Monty May 22, 2026

Today marks 20 years since its first appearance

“a man of good birth and excellent education” [FINA] 

On May 22, 1859, Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born. And it is still celebrated by Sherlockians and Doyleans around the world, who, at the very least, pause to honor the man who created Sherlock Holmes.

Hopping on that trend on May 22, 2006 — 20 years ago today — Google presented one of its famous “Google Doodles” to honor his Conan Doyle and his famous creation. (Technically it was launched the evening before, but it was up all day on the 22nd).

This was before the Google Doodle became a near-daily thing.

There are scores of reasons to honor Sir Arthur every day, since his name is still associated not only with the immortal Sherlock Holmes, but the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Professor Challenger, poetry, politics, speeches, divorce law reform, the defense of the wrongly-accused, his friendship with Harry Houdini, his avid love of many sports, spiritualism, and much more.

Happy birthday, Sir Arthur! Thank you for the eternal gift of Sherlock Holmes.