Piel Island, one of the most historic islands in the UK.

Home to a 14th century castle, and a 17th century pub, it has  a chequered history.

With an area of 50 acres, it is an idyllic and interesting place to explore for young and old.

Piel Castle was built as a fortified warehouse by the Cistercian monks of Furness Abbey.

Wool and grain were stored there, with some of the wool being illegally smuggled.

In 1427, a petition was raised to by the English merchants in Calais to stop the monks smuggling activities.

On the 5th of June 1487, an 8000 strong army of Irish and German mercanaries landed on Piel Island in an attempt to invade England.

Led by a 10yr old boy Lambert Simnel who had a resemblance to the missing son of Edward IV.

They were defeated at the Battle of Stoke Field, said to be the last battle of the Wars of the Roses.

A local tradition is said to be derived from the attempted invasion, Piel Island has it’s own King, currently Aaron Sanderson, the landlord of the 17th century Ship Inn pub on the Island.

A ritual/coronation in 2022 by the former landlord Rod Scarr, bestowed on him the powers of the Island.

An ancient oak chair resides in the pub, tradition states that, any person that sits in the chair is obliged to buy everyone present a drink at the bar.

The crowning ceremony of the latest “King of Piel” Aaron Sanderson.

Performed by a former King Rod & assisted by Princess Louise Scarr.

Piel Island is owned by the people of Barrow in Furness, gifted as a WWI war memorial by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1920.