The island is also where Lambert Simner, the young son of an Oxford merchant, landed in June 1487, claiming to be a legitimate heir to the army of mercenaries and the throne of England. He marched to London, was soon defeated by Henry VII, and rolled up a kitchen servant.
The “King of Pierre” habit was invented, perhaps in the early 19th century, as a reference to Simnel’s claim of fate, Douglas said. “A sort of looking back on the good old days and reinventing some mysterious rituals,” he said. “It’s a little weird.”
In the fall and winter, history lovers and picnics leave the island for birds, seals, and two full-time residents in one of their private homes. “It’s a very quiet place,” Murphy said. “If you don’t have a customer, you have to become Robinson Crusoe and enjoy the facilities you came up with.”
Mr. Calister said some of the landlord’s contract would be negotiated with Congress, including whether the landlord would need to live in Pierre all year round.
“It’s an opportunity for someone who is truly open-minded, loves that style of business, loves the outside world, and loves history,” Calister said. “After all, when we’re all a little older, you think,” I wish I had done it. ” Don’t miss that opportunity. “
Murphy said that work requires at least one person who doesn’t care a lot of time. He described winter as “certainly very harsh,” and storms brought strong winds and rain. “You are virtually stuck on the island alone.”
And once you get there, there are so many ways you can leave. When the tide goes down, you can walk two miles of sand — be careful if you know the way. But when the tide returns, the only means of transportation is a small ferry, which Murphy described as “a rowing boat with a small engine behind.”