It’s about time Hit the North received a knighthood. Services to Northwest tourism, maybe? Perhaps not after last Monday’s post.
Anyway, I did try my luck on a recent visit to Piel Island, a remote community of pub, castle and wildlife set adrift off the South Lakes coastline towards Morecambe Bay; see a selection of images here.
The King’s speech
As landlords of the island’s Ship Inn, Steve and Sheila Chattaway are crowned the King and Queen of Piel, a symbolism-heavy ceremony that dates back to the 15th century.
So, if anyone can make me a knight, then Steve can. But, as I found, it’s not that easy. The Knights of the Order of Piel have to earn their title through years of selfless service.
King for a day
After a day of rock pooling, shell skimming and crab collecting on Steve’s island fiefdom, I plucked up the courage to request a go on his throne.
The next morning I came down for breakfast after a night in the pub’s new B&B accommodation and readied myself for the crowning glory.
But Steve had disappeared and my hopes of a knighthood with him.
The king, it seems, had left the building.
To find out what happened next, look out for the story in the October issue of Coast magazine.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mwat47uIlk&w=560&h=349]