Benedict Cumberbatch was born to play Sherlock Holmes. Literally.

The Sherlock connection runs in his blood.

The star and Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are directly related.

Ancestry researchers recently made an amazing discovery: Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle share a common ancestor.

They’re both descended from John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III.

The pair turn out to be 16th cousins, twice removed. Cumberbatch is John of Gaunt’s 17th great-grandson. Doyle is his 15th great-grandson.

What surprises await in your family tree? You could, like Benedict have royal roots.

Or you could discover your very own unexpected connection.

Channel your inner Sherlock and investigate your family story for free with a 14-day trial of Ancestry.

Image 1: Benedict Photo by Fat Les / CC BY | Arthur Conan Doyle via Wikimedia Commons, PD-1923

Image 2: Image via Wikimedia Commons, PD-1923