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How is Benedict Cumberbatch related to Arthur Conan Doyle?

Published in Genealogical Connection 2 mins read

Benedict Cumberbatch, the acclaimed actor, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the celebrated author, are distant cousins, sharing a common royal ancestor.

A Shared Royal Ancestor: John of Gaunt

The genealogical connection between Benedict Cumberbatch and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stems from their descent from a significant historical figure: John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster. John of Gaunt (1340–1399) was a prominent medieval English prince, notable as the third surviving son of King Edward III of England.

Their specific familial link is that they are 16th cousins, twice removed. This indicates a shared ancestor several generations back, with a slight generational difference in their respective lineages.

The precise breakdown of their descent from John of Gaunt is as follows:

  • Benedict Cumberbatch is a 17th great-grandson of John of Gaunt.
  • Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is a 15th great-grandson of John of Gaunt.

The "twice removed" aspect of their cousin relationship signifies this two-generation difference in their descent from their mutual ancestor.

Understanding Their Genealogical Connection

To further illustrate their respective positions in the family tree stemming from John of Gaunt:

Individual Relationship to John of Gaunt
Benedict Cumberbatch 17th great-grandson
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 15th great-grandson

This distant yet direct bloodline through a common ancestor from the 14th century highlights the intricate and far-reaching nature of family trees, linking individuals across centuries and diverse fields.