Elementary explanation for Sherlock Holmes

The inspiration for the characters in Sherlock Holmes books has intrigued devotees of the detective novel for more than a century. The explanation behind their creation now seems elementary. The Scottish author's alma mater, Stonyhurst College, near Clitheroe in Lancashire, has revealed that Doyle may have taken names from the school register.

The author, described in school reports as "lazy" and "slovenly", appears to have named his arch-villain Moriarty after brothers called Moriarty and he was also a contemporary of a pupil called Sherlock. A spokesman for the school, Peter Anwyl, said: "We have a picture of him with a Moriarty."

The author may even have drawn inspiration for the setting of The Hound of the Baskervilles from the school building, which bears a startling resemblance to Baskerville Hall. Details of Doyle's schooldays emerged after Stonyhurst recruited a curator to compile an archive on the writer, which opens in September.

Despite his later literary success, it seems he was a less than keen pupil. This might explain the signature "A DOYLE" carved on a desk. Doyle, who attended Stonyhurst from 1868 until 1875, did not pay attention in class.