The view of Piel Island from the shore – Photo: AJF1 / Flickr
The view of Piel Island from the shore – Photo: AJF1 / Flickr
Well, doesn’t that sound… nice? A remote corner of the UK is looking for both a pub landlord and a new monarch, to preside over a historic patch of land for the next ten years. The successful applicant will officially be crowned King or Queen of Piel Island. And no, we’re not making that up.
Where is Piel Island?
Piel Island is situated six miles off the Cumbrian coast, in the extreme northwest of England. The landmass is an idyllic spot, just off the Furness Peninsula, with locals and tourists alike risking the elements to visit its beloved pub. However, a landlord’s duties don’t just stop at pouring pints and barring the ruffians.
On Piel Island, the custodian of The Ship Inn also serves as the monarch of the land. Your coronation ceremony will see you drenched by barrels of beer, as swords are used to bestow the highest possible honour upon you. There’s also a pretty striking 13th-century castle that you’ll be granted access to, as well.
The problem with Piel Island…
The stunning location boasts lush green fields, and a beautiful vista of Cumbria’s shoreline. The county is home to the Lake District, one of the most gorgeous destinations in Britain. Sunsets over the bay are said to be utterly breathtaking, and if you can cope with the isolation and loneliness of island life, you can apply to be the ruler here.
However, we do currently have an elephant in the room. The Brits won’t know this, but for millions of South Africans, ‘Piel’ means something very, very different – given that it’s a slang word for the male genitalia.
Don’t hesitate, nominate…
So if you, or your mates, know someone who belongs on Piel Island – or could feasibly call themselves the King or Queen of Piel Island – don’t be afraid to point them towards their true calling in life…
