The new landlord of a unique Cumbrian pub has been given the keys to his kingdom.
Aaron Sanderson was named as the successful applicant – out of 30 contenders – to take over the Ship Inn on Piel Island, off the Furness coast.
Landlords of the pub are known as the king of Piel Island and Aaron, 33, is getting ready to welcome his first customers when the pub officially opens on May 30.
Aaron, a former electrical team leader at Barrow’s BAE Systems, has signed a 10-year lease with the pub’s custodian, Barrow Borough Council.
With the necessary paperwork and legalities now signed and in place, its keys have been officially handed over.
Aaron said: “The response to the news that I would be landlord at The Ship Inn has been wonderful and overwhelming.
“There’s so much to take in as we embark upon our first season on Piel but I’m incredibly excited about the journey we’re on in this very special place.
“I’ve been visiting Piel myself since I was a child so I know how much summer days out on the island mean to people across the area. It’s also going to be a privilege to welcome those making their first ever trip. There’s nowhere else quite like it so it’s definitely worth the journey.”
Piel Island is just 50 acres in size, hosts an array of wildlife and is home to the ruins of Historic England-run Piel Castle, a now derelict structure built in the 14th century.
The island is reachable via a short ferry crossing between April to September depending on good weather.
Aaron’s role on the island will include opening the historic pub to the thousands of island visitors every summer as well as hosting those who choose to stay overnight at The Ship or at the small campsite nearby.
He will also carry out a range of maintenance duties all while taking into account the sensitivities that go hand in hand with a location that boasts Site of Special Scientific Interest status.
Initially, The Ship Inn will serve drinks only with food set to be reintroduced later this year.
Aaron added: “Living and working on Piel is certainly going to be a challenge but one that I’m ready to get stuck into.
“Let’s hope we get some great weather this summer and that people enjoy a fantastic, memorable day out on Piel.”
Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “We’ve said before that Piel Island is a jewel in the crown of our borough and it genuinely is.
“This isn’t a role for the faint hearted but we are delighted that Aaron had a vision for The Ship Inn and Piel and was selected as the successful bidder during the tender process.
“We look forward to the doors of The Ship Inn reopening again for 2022 and the bright future it has ahead of it.”
The history of Piel Island
The Ship Inn is thought to be over 300 years old and its landlord is also given the title of king after a ceremony which involves a throne and beer being tipped over their head. There has never been a queen.
This special event will take place in the autumn on a date to be determined.
Knights of Piel Island are also appointed at the same time as the king.
A knight sits on the throne before the king holds the sword and reads a charter, which declares that the recipient is of good behaviour and steady.
The recitation says: “Let it be impressed on your mind, that you must be a free drinker, a moderate smoker and an ardent lover of the opposite sex.”
The early written references to Knights of Piel are in the first visitors’ book, which started in 1856.
The ceremony is said to be due to the landing of pretender to the throne Lambert Simnel in 1487 and is most likely to have begun as a slightly mocking homage to this event.
By the 19th century it had become an important aspect of the island’s history.
Previous king Steve Chattaway left after 13 years in charge in March and the pub was able to open in 2021 thanks to temporary partnership the Piel Island Pub Company.
