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Piel Island

Though this tiny island was probably visited by both the Celts and the Romans, its first recorded name is Scandinavian - Fotheray - from the Old Norse meaning fodder island. From the middle of the 12th century, the monks ofFurness Abbey did indeed use the island as a warehouse and storage area.

Piel Castle was originally a house, fortified in the early part of the 14th century and, at the time, the largest of its kind in the northwest. Intended to be used as one of the abbey's warehouses and to offer protection from raiders, in later years the castle also proved to be a useful defence against the King's customs men and a prosprous trade in smuggling began. The castle has, over many years, been allowed to fall into ruin and now presents a stark outline on the horizon. Guided walking tours of the island are available.

Despite being so small, the island does have a pub, The Ship. Even more remarkable, the landlord bears the honorary title King of Piel Island, an honour most recently bestowed in 2008.