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Two minutes from the market cross
in Ulverston is the small museum dedicated to Stan Laurel who was
born in the town. The famous comedian's film career spanned 35 years
and an incredible 182 films.
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The
entrance to the Laurel & Hardy museum in Ulverston, Cumbria
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He was the second of five children
born to Arthur Jefferson (A.J.) and Margaret (Madge) Metcalfe.
His parents were both in the theatrical
business. His father was skilled in all matters of the stage, from
acting to make-up and theatre management.
Stan’s early years were spent
living with his grandmother, Sarah Metcalfe, in Ulverston.
The house on Argyll Street where
Stan was born and lived displays a commemorative plaque.
By the early 1900s, Stan had joined
his family in Glasgow, and was working in a variety of administrative
jobs at his father’s theatre, the Metropole.
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A plaque on
Stan Laurel's house in Ulverston.
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His first official stage performance
took place when he was 16 years old.
Stan polished his skills at pantomime and the performance of music
hall sketches.
In 1910 he made his first trip to
America as a member of the Fred Karno musical-comedy troupe, which
also included Charlie Chaplin. For
some time, he was Chaplin’s understudy.
Stan adopted a stage name as a result
of a superstition. His real name - Stan Jefferson - contains the
unlucky number of 13 letters. He
chose the name Laurel - it is said to have been inspired by a wreath
found by his partner and common-law wife, Mae.
He returned to Ulverston with Ollie
in 1947. The duo gave a speech from the balcony of the Coronation
Hall to a packed crowd below.
In 1961, Stan was honoured by the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with an Oscar for his
creative pioneering in the field of comedy. Stan's only regret was
that Oliver was not there to share in the recognition.
Stan himself died on 23 February
1965 after suffering a heart attack.
Sons of the
Desert
This isn't the name for a foreign legion - the Sons of the Desert
is the most famous Laurel and Hardy appreciation society.
The name comes from a fictional lodge
to which Stan and Ollie pledge allegiance in their 1933 feature
film of the same name.
The society has been running for
decades and has huge legions ('scuse pun) of members from all over
the world. Local branches are called 'tents'. Find out more on the
official website - see the Links on the left.
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Looking down
King Street from the Market Cross in Ulverston.
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Contact details:
The Laurel and Hardy Museum
4c Upper Brook Street
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7BH
Tel: 01229 582292
{Upper Brook Street is off King Street.]
How to get to Ulverston
By car: The town is around 35 miles from Junction 36 on the
M6. Turn left onto the A590 (for
Barrow) and follow signs for Barrow and Ulverston. The museum is
clearly signposted.
By train: Ulverston train
station is a stone's throw from the museum - trains leave regularly
from Lancaster and Barrow.
Market days: Thursday and
Saturday.
Tell us about your visit and send
us your digital photos of Ulverston or other Cumbrian attractions.
E-mail cumbria@bbc.co.uk
so we can include them for others to enjoy.
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