THE KIND AND I, BY 'SIR' TONY MORRISTony 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 PielTony Morris asks the question pondered by many, "Why do we still have a King of Piel in 2003?"  | | 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. KnighthoodOne of the King Scarr’s duties is to bestow Knighthoods onto worthy subjects. | FACTS | 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. |
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!"  | | Piel Castle ruins stand proudly ont he island |
SmugglingThe 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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