THE KIND AND I,
BY 'SIR' TONY MORRIS
Tony Morris travels to Piel Island to meet the
King and receive a coveted Knighthood.
Inside Out follows Tony’s voyage and uncovers
the unique history of this tiny North West Island.
It seems her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II isn’t the only
reigning royal in the British Isles.
Piel Island, just off the coast of Barrow in Furness
has had its own King since at least 1487.
Ian McNicol, a local historian describes Lambert Simnel,
the first man who tried to snatch the Piel throne and declared himself
King.
Ian says "He came over from Ireland in 1847, trying
to dethrone Henry seventh. It was an attempt to try to put Richard’s supporters
back on the throne after that particularly nasty set of battles known
as War of the Roses."
Simnel and his 8,000 mercenaries were defeated by the
King’s soldiers.
King Scarr of Piel
Tony Morris asks the question pondered by many, "Why
do we still have a King of Piel in 2003?"
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| Rod serves drinks
to his subjects in the Ship Inn |
Ian explains, "It’s such a long standing tradition I
don’t think many people know why he is here. A
lot of it is connected to Lambert Simnel."
In modern times, tradition dictates that whoever becomes
landlord of the Ship Inn is the ‘King of Piel’.
Rod Scarr holds the position currently. Rod says, "I
just run the pub and run the island - keep it clean and tidy and general
maintenance - on Behalf of Barrow Council."
Rod and his family are the only permanent residents of
his kingdom, which is only accessible via ferry from Roa Island ferry
service.
Knighthood
One of the King Scarr’s duties is to bestow Knighthoods
onto worthy subjects.
| FACTS |
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Piel Island is also known as Foundry Island.
It lies half a mile from Roa Island.
The castle was built in the early fourteenth century.
William Wordswoth wrote a poem about Piel.
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This is not something he does lightly. In 18 years being
king, he has only made 10 people Knights of Piel.
Ian says, "It’s quite an honour to become a Knight of
Piel."
Inside Out’s Tony Morris became the nineteenth.
The Knight’s duties include being:
- A moderate smoker,
- An ardent lover of the opposite sex,
- Of good character,
- And buying everyone a drink!
In return, Sir Tony’s rights include lodgings, food and
drink if he ever becomes shipwrecked off the Island and the choice of
any woman that he wishes!
‘Sir’ Jack Turnough, who was previously Knighted by Rod
says, "I’ve been trying to get ship wrecked for years!"
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| Piel Castle
ruins stand proudly ont he island |
Smuggling
The King and Knights are not the only fascinating features
of this remote Island.
The large ruins of Piel castle can be seen on approach
by ferry. The castle was once owned by the Savignac monks and was known
locally as being active in the smuggling business.
The castle has recently undergone extensive restoration
and is worthy of a visit.
Piel Island is a must for any visitor to Barrow and in
recent years has become a popular camping site.
For camping and Ferry details, see the websites below.
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