AROUND 190 parties have shown an interest in running the Ship Inn and Piel Island, a meeting was told.

The search is on for a new landlord or landlady for the pub on the 50-acre island off the southern tip of the Furness Peninsula.

The title of 'king' or 'queen' will be bestowed upon the person chosen for the role.

On Thursday, Barrow Borough Council's overview and scrutiny committee heard the 50-acre island and its unique traditions had captivated audiences across the world.

Cllr Frank Cassidy told the meeting: "I just know that former councillor [and Piel Island guide] John Murphy has been interviewed by the global media about the situation on Piel Island."

This media attention has included an article in the New York Times and Mr Murphy appearing over the airwaves for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, based in Ottawa.

Cllr Cassidy said the island and its traditions were 'very important for the people of Barrow'.

Cllr Derek Gawne said he had been told by Steph Cordon, director of people and place at Barrow Borough Council, that the unique opportunity to manage Piel Island and the Ship Inn had attracted interest from around 190 parties across the globe - including Africa.

The tradition of appointing a 'monarch' for Piel Island dates back to the 15th century.

On June 5, 1487, a force hoping to overthrow Henry VII landed on the island. The figurehead of this Yorkist rebellion was a 10-year-old named Lambert Simnel. Simnel was promoted as the rightful heir to the throne but was, in reality, of humble origin.

The army camped overnight on the island before setting off in the direction of London the next morning.

The rebellion was crushed at the Battle of Stoke Field, near Newark.

Simnel was spared, however, and ended up working in the Tower of London before becoming a falconer.

In the 1800s, a group who were drinking at the Ship Inn drew on the story of this failed takeover and decided Piel Island could have a monarch of its own.