I'm underwhelmed.
Its Palace and slums occupy the same building.
Posted on 01/07/2007 11:55:54 PM PST by HAL9000
London (ANTARA News) - A former World War II fort in the North Sea, which was settled 40 years ago and declared a state with its own self-proclaimed royal family, is up for sale, The Times said Monday.The tiny Principality of Sealand, which began life as Roughs Tower in 1941, is a 550 square metre (658 square yard) steel platform perched on two concrete towers 11 kilometres (seven miles) off the coast of Harwich, eastern England.
It is accessible only by helicopter and boat but according to its owners, who want offers of eight digits or over, boasts uninterrupted sea views, guarantees complete privacy and is a tax haven.
"We have owned the island for 40 years now and my father is 85," Prince Michael of Sealand was quoted by AFP as saying. "Perhaps it is time for some rejuvenation.
"Astronomical figures have been mentioned but we will just see what comes forward."
Although its nation status is disputed, Sealand boasts a military past like any other country, defending its sovereignty from outside threats.
Former British army major Paddy Roy Bates began occupying the island with his family in 1967, declared it a state in international waters and gave himself the title "prince".
Britain's Royal Navy attempted to evict him the following year but were unsuccessful. As they entered territorial waters, Roy of Sealand fired warning shots from the former fort.
A judge then ruled in his favour that Sealand was outside British government control as it was beyond the three-mile limit of the country's waters.
In 1974, Roy of Sealand introduced a constitution. A flag, national anthem, currency -- the gold and silver Sealand dollar which is the equivalent to the US dollar -- and passports have followed suit.
Four years later, Dutch and German businessmen on Sealand to discuss a business deal kidnapped Roy's son but were overpowered and held as prisoners of war before eventually being released.
Just watch: Islamic fundies will try to establish a "beachhead" there.
Yeah, they could lob shells from boxes of Barilla pasta back and forth. Now THAT is the way to fight a war.
"...so it would be King Jim"
I'm underwhelmed.
Its Palace and slums occupy the same building.
"Four years later, Dutch and German businessmen on Sealand to discuss a business deal kidnapped Roy's son but were overpowered and held as prisoners of war before eventually being released."
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lol, real swashbuckelers out there eh? :)
And you should be....It's a fire sale!
WELCOME TO THE PRINCIPALITY OF SEALAND
Recent news:
After nearly 40 years of completely independent economic, social, political, and geographic independence in the North Sea the Principality in late June of 2006 suffered a devastating fire which has crippled its infrastructure significantly.
In common with other island countries, our resources here are limited; the difficulties this disaster presents are compounded by the effects upon our population and industries.
First National Bank of Sealand.
That's pretty good.
And I thought it was SMOM.
ML/NJ
Seriously? I mean, seriously, people have been living there? For forty years? I am so baffled. It doesn't look nice at all.
"Trivial Pursuit says that the world's smallest county is the Vatican."
It also says the Moops invaded Spain.
bookmark
HGTV could buy it and fix it up and give it away in one of their annual contests. Think of the potential! A coat of paint... some petunias in planters... maybe a water feature...
Hey.....Hey...lay off the bubble boy!
Yeah, but only on the income earned there.
Absolutely. But they move to a more hospital climate instead. Bermuda, the Caymans, the Netherlands Antilles, etc.
I believe all of the fire damage has been repaired as of 12/06.
Here's the company website who did the repairs. They have a diary reflecting the progress made during 4 visits to the Principality of Sealand.
http://www.xtrasi.co.uk/index.asp?show=sealand
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