This post continues from
June 06, Thursday
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| Newcastle International Airport |
We had a pleasant flight from Dubai to Newcastle, where we landed at 1220. Our friend Henry and his friend, Don, were kind enough to come to the airport.
After checking into a hotel and having a late lunch, we headed to Dockwray Square in North Shields in the evening.
This is not quite a touristy place, but I included it in the places to visit list after reading an article in The Guardian.
From this article - How Tyneside Inspired a Laurel and Hardy Classic - published in 2003, which I stumbled upon by sheer accident while doing some reading up on northeast England, I learned about the association of Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy movies) with North Shields.
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| The park in memory of Stan Laurel. |
In my school, during those days, every month on a Saturday, a Laurel and Hardy movie used to be screened on a 16 mm projector. And I instantly became a Laurel and Hardy fan. Even today, I enjoy watching them.
From that Guardian article, I learned that Laurel had spent his childhood there, and in Dockwray Square, there is a park named after him and a statue of him as well. This was a surprise.
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| The statue of Stan Laurel at the Laurel Park. |
There are now many places where steps are running down to the Fish Quay, and it's not clear which one was the real inspiration.
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| One of the steps leading to Fish Quay that is said to be an inspiration for The Music Box |
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| The Highlights |
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| A plaque on the Highlights |
We saw the Highlights and Lowlights. They are basically lighthouses dating back to the early 18th century. We also had a look at the Fish Quay, a fishing port which was built in 1225. (Photo below)
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| River Tyne |
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Hari OM
ReplyDeleteNow, I learned something - I did know of the connection to Stan Laurel, but not about those steps. That little film is one of very best of L&H! YAM xx
Hi Pradeep - I knew about the connection with the NE by Laurel and Hardy ... but not the detail, nor the other sights you've seen. I've only briefly visited Newcastle - but understand it's really spreads its wings. I too love Laurel and Hardy and yes we used to watch regularly too - cheers and continue on enjoying the NE - Hilary
ReplyDeleteLaurel and Hardy are always worth watching - I love them.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is interesting. And now I'll have to watch some Laurel and Hardy. :D It's neat that you watched the videos at school. Be well and travel safe!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting spot to explore. Many silent movie era stars were from all over the place. I did not realize he was British, but that doesn't surprise me too much.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interesting Travelogue.
ReplyDeleteI used to love Laurel and Hardy. I had no idea of their connection to Tyneside, so thank you.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking how those stairs had to be exhausting if you had to climb up them a lot. To throw a piano in is too much!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post. I had no idea of the connection with Laurel and Hardy. I’ve only been to Newcastle once, but I liked what I saw of the city. Enjoy your tour and I’ll look forward to more photos too.
ReplyDeleteNewcastle is one of my favourite places to visit, I am long overdue another visit.
ReplyDeleteYou have shown me some things that I had not heard of before. I will try to find them on my next visit to the area.