Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, the legendary comedy duo, are well-known for their slapstick antics and have left a lasting legacy in the world of film. However, as BBC Lincolnshire recently revealed, their connection to rural Lincolnshire adds a charming twist to their story. The duo once pulled pints at the Old Plough Inn in Barkston, a picturesque village near Grantham, where Stan's younger sister, Beatrice, affectionately known as Olga, ran the pub.
In 1947, Stan and Ollie visited the village, creating quite a stir among the locals. Sam Souter, the parish clerk, recounted how the pub was so popular during their visit that it often ran out of alcohol on Saturday nights. "It was known as the pub that had no alcohol left because they were so popular," Souter shared, highlighting the excitement their presence brought to the quiet village.
Although the Old Plough Inn has since been converted into a residential property, a sign still hangs above the door, serving as a nostalgic reminder of its vibrant past. Stan Laurel's father, Arthur Jefferson, lived with Olga until his passing in 1949 and is buried in the local cemetery. Souter noted that Arthur's gravestone, which reads, "Arthur Jefferson, husband of Margaret and father of Stan Laurel, master of comedy," was a recent addition to what had long been an unmarked grave.
Laurel had previously visited his sister in 1927 while she was performing at the Theatre Royal in Grantham, where she met her husband, Bill Healy. The couple later became the licensees of the Old Plough Inn. Laurel and Hardy also spent time at another pub run by Olga in Bottesford, just seven miles from Grantham, before performing at the Empire Theatre in Nottingham.
Their visits to the region didn't stop there. They also performed at Grimsby's Palace Theatre and even judged the Holiday Lovelies competition at Butlin's in Skegness. According to Shannon Davis, manager at Grantham's museum, the duo caused quite a scene during a visit to Grantham in 1952 when they opened a trade exhibition. An archive report from the Grantham Journal described how a chimney sweep had to battle his way through the crowd, illustrating the excitement surrounding their appearances.
The film "Stan & Ollie" captures the duo's final tour, which ended abruptly in Plymouth in May 1954 after Hardy suffered a mild heart attack. They left the UK for the last time the following month, but their impact was undeniable. Ross Owen, who runs the Laurel and Hardy forum, remarked that their farewell was reminiscent of Beatlemania, with streets across the country packed with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the beloved comedians.
Today, the legacy of Laurel and Hardy continues to resonate, especially in Grantham, where their ties to the area remain a cherished piece of local history. The story of their time in Lincolnshire is a delightful reminder of how even the most famous figures can find joy in the simplicity of village life.
As the community reflects on this fascinating piece of history, it raises the question: What other local stories have you heard about famous figures visiting our area?