Last updated 14:38, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

MARTIN Clunes has set sail on an epic journey around Great Britain’s islands - of which there are about 1,000 or so.
His exploration of hidden Britain brought him to Piel, which will feature in the landmark ITV1 series, Islands of Britain.
Reporter Jo Davies was one of the thousands to meet the Doc Martin on Piel.

• View more pictures...

Martin Clunes pictured on Piel REF: 0449741

TO compare the crowning of Piel’s new king with the most famous investiture in living memory suggests Martin Clunes was suitably impressed with the ceremony.

But then we have had over 260 years to get it right.

“It reminded me of the Prince of Wales’ investiture,” said Martin, who became a household name with the hit TV comedy series Men Behaving Badly.

Whilst it might not have had the worldwide audience of the Prince’s coronation, those in attendance had a royal knees up.

Clad in chainmail Steve Chattaway looked every inch a king as he took to his throne, which was transported over the sands from its temporary home in the Dock Museum while the Ship Inn is being renovated.

Tradition has it that each new landlord is crowned King of Piel whilst they sit in the ancient chair wearing a helmet before being unceremoniously drenched in beer.

Martin was invited to carry the bucket of beer slops.

“I had no idea what to expect given the slightly spurious monarchy,” he said, referring to the landing of Lambert Simnel in 1487, who declared himself king.

“As we marched round carrying a bucket of slops we were meant to film in the castle.

“As we marched up there and rounded the corner it was full of people.

“It was quite moving.

“There was a lot of gravitas and the trumpeter started playing.

“The coronation was brilliant.”

This departure into presenting will see Martin uncover secrets of islands well-known as tourist destinations and others that are remote and largely unknown.

Piel is the only one he visited with its very own king.

And in perfect conditions last weekend there can’t be many as idyllic.

Looking slightly weather-beaten and soporific from a glass of scrumpy Martin was really chuffed with the filming.

“You think islands will all have so much in common, which they do, but mainly geographical things,” he said.

“It’s the characters and the people on each island which distinguish them.”

In Islands of Britain Martin is travelling from the country’s far northern waters to the southerly seas visiting the islands which lie off our shores.

Piel was the eighth island the crew visited.

He said: “You have to be selective because there are over 1,000 islands off the coast of Great Britain.

“Lots of research has been done to find the ones with interesting stories.”

Piel’s intriguing history gained notoriety when the title of king was advertised.

According to Martin, Barrow Borough Council has picked the best man for the job.

“Steve and Sheila are so the right people,” said Martin.

“They marched up to the castle holding hands and they’re such a fully-functioning family.

“It seemed very potent. It was very good.”

Mr and Mrs Chattaway now live on the island with their daughters Kristina and Nicola and their assortment of dogs, chickens, geese and pigs.

Martin a self-confessed dog lover, got custody of the family’s Staffordshire bull terrier, Eric, during the ceremony.

“I named him the Duke of Staffordshire,” he said.

Recounting the coronation, Martin added: “The previous king spoke and then the knights spoke.

“Then they had their beer swilling thing.

“Steve put a souwester on.

“It was quite a sight to see it all go over him.

“I did feel quite privileged to be there.

“Steve and Sheila were so welcoming – but I guess that’s their job.

“They were genuinely warm, welcoming people.”

Islands of Britain with Martin Clunes is being made by ITV Productions and Buffalo Pictures.

A Dog’s Life by Martin Clunes is published by Hodder and Stoughton on Thursday.

• Click here to see the full report on the crowning ceremony

• Click here to see the report on Mr Clunes meeting BAE first aiders