Even Stanley has little recollection of his early years. All we know is that he was born in Charmouth, Dorset in a shop near the beach. He was adopted by Mr and Mrs Hampton, a childless couple living in Devon. They soon started taking him on many adventures around the country in their motorhome. He was largely content during those years, spending most of his time in the van. Summers were better as he was often taken on their walks and visits, but winters were very hard as he was often stuffed in a cupboard in the dark for many weeks.

He befriended a badger called Clywedog, who the Hamptons found while travelling in Wales one year. He felt sorry for Clywedog, as he very seldom got to leave the van and who's only purpose seemed to be to cover the smoke alarm when the Hamptons were using their toaster. However, it was good to have some company when the Hamptons were away.

Tradegy struck however, when the Hamptons were on a visit to Kidderminster one year. Stanley was sat on a bench happily watching the swans on the river, when he slipped (we was accidentally pushed really) and fell on the paving. He fractured his skull and broke his foot and for a long time it was touch and go whether he would make it. His life was in the balance – the Hamptons even went back to the Charmouth shop to see if there was a 'replacement' similar enough to Stanley, but thankfully Stanley seems to be unique and was spared an undignified disposal in the bin.

However, after some impressive repairs with superglue (despite no prior surgical experience) the Hamptons where able to restore Stanley to almost his former self. As with other free healthcare, he is still waiting for some cosmetic improvements to his left foot. 

A couple of years ago, he was subject to an 'arranged marriage' with another sheep called Dorothy. 'Dot' was clearly thrilled by the pairing but Stanley remained a little more philosophical.