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.
How's that any different from half of the nations on the globe?
Be a good place to hide from the upcoming zombie holocaust...At least I don't THINK the living dead can swim.
It's bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.
See: Tardis
Whoo hoo! I like that idea!
There's several answers on Trivial Pursuit that are wrong.
They might not be able to swim, but then again, it's not like that means they're going to drown either.
They might want to called HGTV for a Design To Sell episode. I'd bet they'd at least get them to put a coat of paint on it.
here's an entire country for you! ;)
or better yet just HOST a P.O. box there for companies from all over the place to declare there home base there and skip trillions in taxes.
I'll bring a 6-pack of brew, a bottle of Jack Daniel's, + a bag of Taco Bell's Frito Burrito Supremes (I'd also pack a big net to install around the platform's base to keep me from falling into the "drink" after I've drinky ;-)
Just looked at the pics....the inside is a dump too.....I can't believe anybody lives there...sheeeeesh!
Ah, hiking I like. I hope they offer tour guides as I wouldn't know my way around the island.
Good point..they can walk..I forgot about Land of the Dead..they walked in the river!
My bad
From the article
A firm of Spanish estate agents has valued the island at £504 million
for a platform in the middle of nowhere? Go figure.
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