Paddington, the beloved star of 28 books, 4 TV adaptations and 3 blockbuster movies. He’s even had the honour of joining Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee. But did you know that the very first ever Paddington Bear stuffed toy was brought to life in Doncaster by Shirley Clarkson, mother of TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson?
Shirely ran a small factory based in Woodlands, Doncaster which produced Paddington bear toys for many years. This building which sits on an island between two dual carriageways between Woodlands and the A1 motorway junctions is still referred to this day by locals as “the Paddington bar factory”.
