Most people associate Stan Laurel with his American comedy partner Oliver Hardy and the hilarious one hundred Hollywood studio films they made together between 1921 and 1951. This iconic genius of humour, however, was actually English. He was born just a short 20-minute drive from Grange-over-Sands – site of our Willow Tree Holiday Park.
If you’re a bit of a movie buff and fancy a themed day out from Willow Tree, the Cumbrian town of Ulverston is exactly the spot for you. Stan Laurel’s presence is still keenly and proudly felt in this charming market town, and in this edition of our blog we’ll point you in the right direction for all of the sites of interest, starting right at the beginning of his story.
1. Stan Laurel’s birthplace
Laurel was born Arthur Stanley Jefferson on 16th June 1890 at his grandparents’ home in the Foundry Cottages, Ulverston. These cottages were renamed later that decade as Argyle Street and Stan was born at what is number 3. The modest terraced house still stands and is now marked by a blue heritage plaque to identify it as the birthplace of the beloved comedian.
It has always been a private residence (and recently sold to new owners) but over the decades Laurel & Hardy fans have often make the cheerful pilgrimage to take photos outside this site of massive Stan significance. He lived in this house for the first six years of his life, before his family relocated to Bishop Auckland in County Durham and then on to Glasgow. However, even after having moved away Stan still spent many of his school holidays with his grandparents in Ulverston.
Just up the road from his birthplace is Oxford Street, with number 32 the home of Stan’s grandparents prior to their move to Argyle Street. Just across the road from his birthplace is Sir John Barrow School. This was built on the site of The Gaff, a small community theatre where Stan’s father was part of the acting company. The Gaff burned down in 1910. Incidentally, the location of Stan’s own schooling in Ulverston has never been accurately confirmed.
- 3 Argyle Street: LA12 0BD
- Sir John Barrow School: LA12 0BD
- 32 Oxford Street: LA12 0AZ
Daly Parks recommended L&H film involving childhood: BRATS (1930). The duo play dual roles, as themselves and their own children.
2. Laurel & Hardy Museum
This modest museum is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in the comedy duo and their legacy. Originally started in the late 1970s as a few scrapbooks of photos, and over time growing until a substantial collection filled rooms in curator Bill Cubin’s home, the Laurel & Hardy Museum was relocated to larger premises at the town’s Roxy Cinema on Brogden Street, in 2009.
This unique museum features an extensive array of memorabilia, artefacts and merchandise, including rare photographs, personal letters, film props and costumes – as well as the original fireplace from Stan’s childhood bedroom on Argyle Street. Visitors can immerse themselves in the history and humour of the duo, with classic films continuously screened in a small cinema area.
The museum is open February through to early December each year, and regularly hosts special events such as guest lectures or themed film nights.
- The Laurel & Hardy Museum: LA12 7AH
Daly Parks recommended film about the duo’s lives and legacy: STAN AND OLLIE (2018). Steve Coogan and John C Reilly star as Laurel and Hardy on tour of the UK in the poignant late and final years of their double act.
3. Laurel & Hardy statue and Market Street
Just around the corner from the Laurel & Hardy Museum at the Roxy cinema is the beautiful Coronation Hall (known locally as The Coro). Right in the heart of Ulverston, this community arts, culture and entertainment venue opened in 1918, and is still in public service to this day.
In May 1947, during one of the four UK tours undertaken in the twilight of their careers, and perhaps on a sentimental journey for Stan, he and Ollie visited to Ulverston. The duo greeted a vast crowd gathered below in County Square from The Coro’s balcony, and Stan was presented with a copy of his birth certificate. Some great footage of this visit exists and surface recently on a fan page on Facebook.
Outside the Coronation Hall stands a terrific statue of Laurel & Hardy (and the dog Laughing Gravy, which featured in one of their most memorable films), sculpted by Graham Ibbeson. It was unveiled as part of the regeneration of County Square in 2009 and, incredibly, the entire £60,000 required to commission and install it was raised by the Sons Of The Desert, the international Laurel and Hardy appreciation society.
This bronze tribute to the duo provides the perfect photo opportunity and has become a beloved landmark in Ulverston. Due to its life-size and life-like nature, it’s become a poignant stop for Laurel & Hardy visitors on tour in the town.
Toddler Stan would go on shopping expeditions down Market Street with his Grandma, Sarah Metcalf, who had to keep a close eye on him as he was already ‘performing’ – stopping to amuse shopkeepers and customers by pulling silly faces through the windows. In later years Stan often fondly mentioned the narrow cobbled streets when he wrote letters to friends back in the UK.
- Laurel & Hardy statue: LA12 7AB
- Market Street: LA12 7LR
Daly Parks recommended L&H film involving shops: TIT FOR TAT (1935). The duo run an electrical goods store next to a greengrocers. Chaos ensues.
4. The Stan Laurel Inn
For those who visit Ulverston and hope to combine their appreciation of Stan Laurel with a classic British pub experience, the Stan Laurel Inn is the perfect destination. This pub on The Ellers is a one-minute walk from Stan’s birthplace on Argyle Street, and. Adorned with a wealth of Laurel and Hardy memorabilia, including photos and posters, the pub is a truly welcoming tribute to Ulverston’s favourite son.
Even the pub’s staff are well-versed in Stan’s history and always happy to share stories and anecdotes. There’s a warm and nostalgic atmosphere to enjoy alongside traditional British pub food and a pint, and the Stan Laurel Inn has become something of a social focal point for fans visiting Ulverston. It’s even possible to stay over at the Inn, with a couple of rooms named in tribute to the duo (Laughing Gravy and Another Fine Mess).
- The Stan Laurel Inn: LA12 0AB
Daly Parks recommended L&H film involving drinking: BLOTTO (1930). In this absolute classic, the duo sneak out during prohibition and get absolutely blind drunk in a speakeasy. Or do they?
5. Laurel & Hardy events in Ulverston
Ulverston proudly celebrates its connection to Stan through various events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most significant is Another Fine Fest, which takes place each June to celebrate Stan’s birthday and celebrate the town itself. This vibrant annual gathering is a feast of live music, DJs, circus performers, street theatre, street art, window painting, yarnbombing, stand-up comedy, spoken word and interactive workshops – plus a colourful carnival parade.
6. Laurel’s legacy of laughter
Stan Laurel’s journey from this beautiful but unassuming market town in Cumbria to Hollywood and international stardom is testament to his incredible talent. As, first, music hall performer, roommate and understudy to Charlie Chaplin (who is sometimes said to have ‘stolen’ much of Stan’s act), the Ulverston man’s eventual motion picture partnership with Oliver Hardy became iconic. The duo created some of the most memorable moments in comedy and, in a way, set the template for all that has followed in the hundred years since they first got together. Their influence is easily recognisable in the world of comedy today.
Ulverston’s proud dedication to preserving its connection and celebrating Stan Laurel’s legacy ensure that his enormous contributions to entertainment will be remembered and appreciated for many more years to come. For fans of Laurel and Hardy, a visit to Ulverston is like stepping into a living museum, where the comedian’s past comes to life once again, courtesy of the places, memorabilia and stories connected to him.
Just a short drive from our Willow Park at Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston is an invitation to step back into the roots of one of the most significant figures in movie history. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or simply curious about Stan Laurel, spending a day visiting this charming little town will plaster a smile on your face and offer you a deeper appreciation of his timeless comedy.
Please note: Silent movie graphic card used in this article was created by Farrin N. Abbott, CopyCatFilms