‘King or queen’ wanted for Cumbrian island

Wanted: custodian of small island – must pull a good pint. Piel Island in Cumbria is looking for a new “king or queen of the island”. While the main job will be to run the local inn, the 50-acre island requires management of its other amenities, including three buildings and a ruined castle. About 190 applicants have so far applied for the role – previously held, according to legend, by Plantagenet pretender Lambert Simnel – which must be filled by April. The new “monarch” will then be crowned in a ceremony that involves them sitting in a chair while wearing a helmet and holding a sword and then having alcohol poured over their head. The Times (£)