OT: The King of Redonda

[WishIwasOutThereNOW]

this isnt really about cruising, as no lines go to Redonda. i just thought this was interesting

 

Redonda is one huge rock with a few grassy patches here and there. It is an isolated, precipitous and forbidding island circled by sheer cliffs which fall almost perpendicularly for nearly a thousand feet into the sea beneath the summit on the western side. It lies between Montserrat and Nevis at distances of 15 and 25 miles, respectively and 35 miles south-west of Antigua. Redonda is a remnant of a volcanic cone and is one of the smallest islands in the chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is one and a half miles long by half a mile wide, and is exactly 971 ft. high.

 

Redonda is known worldwide for its curious catalogue of whimsical ‘Royal Characters’ created by famous British literary figures. There have been many 'Kings' of Redonda, there is a 'High King' and many pretenders. It all started in 1865, when a Montserratian ship-owner, M.P. Shiel descended from a long line of Irish Kings, decided to crown his son, Matthew, a king. With the help of the Bishop of Antigua at the peak of the rock, young Shiel became King Felipe of Redonda. Shiel later became a famous science fiction writer and vied with Jules Verne for London Sunday newspaper articles.

 

In 1936, a blood letting took place, making the Irish poet, John Gawsworth, King Juan I. In the 1940's and 50's several literary figures were given Redondan appointments, these include: Ellery Queen, Arthur Ransome, L. Durrell, Dylan Thomas, V. Gollanz, A. Knopf, Dorothy Sayers, Stephen Potter, J.B. Priestley and Rebecca West.

 

Power seems to be a wretched failing of the human race even to the extent of holding an influential meaningless title. This seems to be true for Redonda as much controversy has arisen over this fanciful title that really means nothing at all! Whoever now rightly holds the title of ‘King’ we are sure he has a philosophy of ‘Live and Let Live’, and prefers to go quietly about his business, just as he hopes that the fragile island of Redonda can be left to go quietly about the business of providing a safe environment for the birds and other wildlife that eke out a living on it’s craggy shores.[/color]

[JimA49085]

What!?!?!?!