A new landlord job on an island could be the perfect opportunity for you if your dream is to own your pub.
There is a hunt for someone who will run the Ship Inn, a 50-acre island off the coast Cumbria at Barrow-in-Furness.
Lucky manager will become the ‘King of the Island’. This is according to tradition. To be crowned they need to have a helmet on their head and a sword in hand while sitting down in an antique chair, drinking beer, and then being crowned.
Steve Chattaway (previous landlord, and king) departed the pub with Sheila on March 13 years after he had been in charge.
A 14th-century castle is also on the island, which was used once as a base for a Yorkist pretender to be an English throne.
The Ship Inn was then run by a temporary partnership, the Piel Island Pub Company. It reopened July 1, after being closed for lockdowns and Covid-19.
Barrow Borough Council is now looking for a permanent landlord. They will be accepting the successful candidate early next year.
In addition to running the pub and maintaining the island, the new landlord also has to take care of the island.
You may have always dreamed about owning your pub, and would be happy to tip beer on your head. A new Piel Island landlord position could be for you.
There is a hunt for the Ship Inn owner (pictured), located on Piel Island’s 50-acre Piel Island off Cumbria, near Barrow-in-Furness.
Piel Island is described as unique in a report sent to councilors. However, ‘any operator must appreciate the limitations offered by power, weather and access, its location within an area site of special scientific importance, and its location.
In addition to running the pub, the successful applicant must also manage and maintain the island.
When not in use, the king’s helmet, sword and throne – which is made from an old barrel – are stored at Barrow’s Dock Museum.
Each coronation has seen the outgoing monarch crown the new king. A queen has never existed.
Piel Island’s new knights go through the exact same process as the incoming monarch.
First, the knight sits on the throne in front of the king and holds the sword. The knight then reads the “charter”, which states that the recipient will be ‘of good behavior’ and a’steady’.
Continue the recitation: “Let it be imprinted on your mind that you must be free from alcohol, moderately smoker, and a passionate lover of the other sex.”
A lucky manager will become the island’s ‘King.’ This honor is based on tradition, which dictates that they must be wearing a helmet and holding a sword as well as sitting in an antique chair while having beer tipped. After 13 years as the landlord, Steve Chattaway was elected king and took his place with Sheila.
Also, the knight has to assist the King in preventing any “bull-baiting”, cockfighting or even pigeon shooting” on the Island.
Also, the Ship Inn’s new landlord will have to manage the unpredictable weather as well as the isolation of being the only resident on the island with its 8 cottages.
John Murphy, a local guide, told The Guardian that the person who is hired for the job must be “massively committed”.
He added: ‘You can’t just nip across to Tesco for a loaf of bread when you’re on Piel Island,’ he said. You will need dedication, passion and an intense desire for peace and solitude. You need to have a unique personality.
It is possible to reach the island via a ferry that runs between April and September. If it is not high tide, you can also walk or take a boat.
It is home to 70 gray seals. The stunning views are a plus.
The coronation of the current king is followed by the crowning ceremony. An official queen has never existed. Pictured: In 1950, the coronation ceremony for a former king.
Guest book at the Ship Inn features a sketch from 19th century of Piel Island’s King sitting on his “throne”.
When not in use, the king’s helmet, sword and throne – which is made from an old barrel – are stored at Barrow’s Dock Museum
When Mr Chattaway and his wife departed in March, they said: ‘We wish the very best to whomever takes up the highly rewarding challenge of being the next King/Queen of Piel Island and we can’t wait to be on the other side of the bar enjoying all the island has to offer.’
Barrow Borough Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the island’s future off the Furness Peninsula’s southern tip last week.
Frank Cassidy (Vice-chair Committee) stated: “It is important that the right people be installed. People with sound local knowledge. A feel for the island.
A 14th-century castle is also on the island, which was used once as a base for a Yorkist pretender to be an English king.
In addition to the unpredictable weather, the new Ship Inn landlord will have to deal with isolation.
It is home to 70 gray seals. The stunning views are a plus!
Sandra Baines is the head of tourist economy and culture for the council. She said that it was “very much about conserving its beauty, natural habitat”.
She said that there are some drawbacks to living on an island, and that it’s not what people think.
Chris Jones, head of program management and climate change at the council, stated: “There are substantial constraints to living on Piel Island, and people should think about those.”
A petition was started to save the island by its supporters. They called the island a “jewel in the crown” of the region and a “vital part our heritage”.
In January, the executive committee of the Borough Council will consider the future of the Island.
Piel Island, its castle from the 14th Century and its history are briefly described
Foudray/Fotheray was the first name that Piel Island received. However, evidence suggests human settlements as far back at least 3,000 years ago.
Piel Castle was built in 1775 by Cistercian monks. They had built a powerful base and required a place where they could protect their wealth from Scottish raiders.
The castle became home to Henry VII’s enemies in 1487 after he had just taken power.
Seeking an alternative ruler, they put forward the 10-year-old Lambert Simnel, whom they claimed was the young Earl of Warwick – the rightful heir to Edward IV.
The rebels took him back to Piel Island after he had been crowned in Dublin as King. They also brought thousands of Irish soldiers along with Flemish and Flemish Mercenaries.
Piel castle was built by Cistercian monks, who had established a stronghold in the area and required a place where they could protect their wealth from Scottish raiders.
However, after English assistance failed to arrive the group was defeated at Battle of Stoke Field.
Simnel, who was young at the time, was pardoned and sent to work for Henry in his royal kitchens.
However, the castle fell to ruin and the island was rediscovered as an important trading center as well as hub for smuggling.
Piel became an important base for both sailors and customs officials as the nearby Barrow developed from a small village to become a major shipyard.
Along with the terrace of homes, the Ship Inn was built. It quickly became a sanctuary for seafarers.
The tradition began in the 19th century that the landlord of a pub would be crowned the King of the Island and granted the power to appoint baronesses and knights of the “Ancient Order of Piel Castle”.
It has seen many owners over the centuries. The Duke of Buccleuch was its last private owner. He gave the island to Barrow-in-Furness as a tribute to all those who died in the First World War.
The castle became the home of Henry VII’s enemies in 1487. Seeking an alternative ruler, they put forward the 10-year-old Lambert Simnel (right), whom they claimed was the young Earl of Warwick – the rightful heir to Edward IV