This tiny Island in the UK is home to 10 people, a 14th century castle, and historic pub

A tiny island off the coast of the Furness peninsula in Cumbria, Piel Island, has captured the imagination of adventurers and history enthusiasts alike. With its intriguing mix of a 14^th-century castle, a pub with a unique tradition, and a reigning monarch, this secluded haven has become a hidden gem that draws visitors from around the world.

Piel Island, home to a mere 10 residents, is accessible to the public for only six months of the year, from April to September. The journey to this isolated retreat involves a ferry ride or a guided walk across the sands. Despite its modest population, records suggest that people have inhabited the island for over 3,000 years, adding a layer of mystique to its allure.

Standing proudly on the southeast tip of Piel Island is the majestic Piel Castle, constructed in the 14^th century by the monks of Furness Abbey to ward off Scottish raiders. Visible from Morecambe Bay, the castle holds within its ruins the echoes of significant episodes in English history, a testament to the resilience of the island and its strategic importance.

Adding to the island’s charm is the Ship Inn, a pub that has been an integral part of the region for over two centuries. What sets this establishment apart is its unique tradition—each time a new landlord takes the helm, they are ceremoniously crowned the “King” of Piel. This peculiar custom harks back to a 15th-century event when Lambert Simney tried to usurp the English throne.

In 1947, an army with aspirations of overthrowing Henry VII landed on Piel Island, accompanied by a 10-year-old boy named Lambert Simnel, presented as the rightful heir to the English throne. The rebellion was eventually quashed at the Battle of Stoke Field, near Newark in Nottinghamshire. In the 1800s, patrons of the Ship Inn revived the tale, declaring Piel Island should have its own monarch.

Last year, the throne of Piel Island and the Ship Inn passed into hands of 33-year-old Aaron Sanderson. As the new landlord, he assumed the title of the “King of Piel” in a unique ceremony where he was anointed with beer, carrying on the centuries-old tradition in a modern context. This blend of history, folklore, and contemporary hospitality encapsulates the essence of Piel Island – a place where the past and present intertwine.

Also Read: Here’s 10 Destinations You Can Visit During December Across India