10/19/03

Overlooking the town of Ulverston, England (birth place of Stan Laurel, June 16, 1890) is the dramatic limestone lighthouse facsimile built in honour of Sir John Barrow (1764-1848). He was an important figure in British Naval History and has lent his name to both Barrow Point northern Alaska and Barrow Strait, Canada.

The monument was erected on Hoad Hill in 1850, with funds raised through public subscription. The architect Andrew Trimen, whose design was chosen for the structure, based his design on Smeatons Eddystone Lighthouse, which now stands on the Hoe, Plymouth.

There are 112 steps to the top of the tower where dramatic views of Morecambe Bay and the English Lake District can be enjoyed from the "lantern room". The tower is owned and maintained by the town of Ulverston and is open to the public on Sundays during the summer months. A "keeper," appointed

When the John Barrow monument was being constructed on Hoad Hill in Ulverston the local collectors were short of £100 to complete it. Trinity House donated the last money if they could have the option of using it as a working lighthouse if it where ever needed.

The Monument is pen to the public during the summer months (when the flag is flying). The walk to the top of the hill is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and Lake District Fells, which can also be viewed from nearby Birkrigg Common with its prehistoric stone circle.

Ulverston's special attractions include Heron Glass, where you can watch the transformation of molten into spectacular works of art. The workshop is based in the Gill, which also marks the start of the Cumbria Way, a 70 mile walk through the Lake District to Carlisle.

At Cumbria Crystal you can watch the intricate hand crafted process of crystal making and engraving.

Ulverston boasts the shortest widest and deepest Canal and its banks provide a delightful walk to the Canal foot. From here guided walks across the sands to Chapel Island and Flookborough are available for groups by arrangement.

Probably Ulverston's most well known son is Arthur Stanley Jefferson, better known as Stan Laurel and it is fitting that the town is home to the world's only Laurel and Hardy Museum. Down one of the ancient side streets, this unique museum contains a wealth of memorabilia and a small 1920's style cinema showing classic Laurel & Hardy films.

Nearby is Conishead Priory a splendid Victorian gothic Mansion, now a Buddhist Centre, which provides historical tours on Summer weekends. For those of a sporting disposition, there are opportunities for bowling, swimming, tennis and Fishing as well as golf on one of Cumbria's finest courses. If that sounds too energetic you can always sample the food and hospitality of one of the town's cafes or restaurants. After exploring the specialist shops and the bustling, colourful Outdoor Market (every Thursday & Saturday; Indoor market every day except; Wednesdays & Sundays), don't forget the traditional friendly public houses, taking time to sample the town's local brew, Hartleys (now brewed by Robinson's of Manchester). The Coronation Hall is a magnificent 636 seat theatre, offering excellent entertainment from music to theatre and opera, whilst the traditional Roxy Cinema provides a variety of art house and feature films.

HOW TO GET HERE...

Ulverston is situated in the southern part of the Lake District, only a few miles from Windermere and can be reached from several directions.

By Road The easiest approach is from Junction 36 of the M6 Motorway, from there you will take the A590 on the 25 mile route to Ulverston.

By Rail The Furness line, North from Lancaster or South from Carlisle is a scenic coastal journey, which calls at Ulverston. There are also direct routes from Manchester Airport.

For more details phone (0345) - 484950 - charged at local rate.
Or phone Ulverston Tourist Centre on (01229) - 587120