Anyone want to be ‘The King of Piel’?

Piel Island is situated off the southern tip of Walney Island, lying three miles southeast of Barrow-in-Furness. The island, donated as a war memorial to the people of Barrow by the Duke of Buccleuch in 1920 is today held in Trust by Barrow Borough Council.

The 20-acre haven is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is home to the 14th Century Piel Castle, the Grade II listed Ship Inn and six former coastguard cottages.



Up until recently ‘The King of Piel’, the title traditionally given to the landlord of The Ship Inn, managed, under formal lease, the island. Since the Kings recent abdication both the Ship Inn and the management of the island have reverted back to Barrow Borough Council.

Today, therefore, a unique opportunity presents itself :

Barrow Borough Council are looking to refurbish the inn, bringing it back into good repair and ready for occupation in early 2007. Formal ‘expressions of interest’ are, therefore, sought from all persons/ parties interested in the future tenancy, subject to terms and conditions to be agreed, of The Ship Inn and Piel Island.