EENSY POLITY (SEALAND)..!

Hi all and sundry! Almost three years ago; I started writing blogs. Initially I started this site to seek attention from recruiters. Later I realized, writing is not something that comes smoothly to all. We must be passionate enough to share our views, ideas, different themes with our readers through writing. Writing acts as the medium to give voice to my mind and has also been my glee.

This time I would like to discuss about the country “Principality of Sealand.” The next quiz that arises to us is whether that country really exists? The answer is yes. This country is located around 12km east of Suffolk in the North Sea. It is considered to be a micronation and is also known to be the smallest country in the world.

Let’s dig deep into the history of Sealand. Sealand is actually a tower built in international waters during the second world war (around 1943) by the British government. During that period, British government built several fortress islands (in Thames river) to defend their coasts (land near seashores) against the illegal entry of German soldiers into their country through seashores. The towers are together called Maunsell Forts (operated as army/navy forts, which was named after the designer). Out of all the fortress islands, one tower was built out of the UK territory (in the North Sea) called Fort Roughs tower. This tower was famous for its concrete and steel construction.

After World War II, around 1950, all the forts (towers) were abandoned by the UK government. Illegal forts were destroyed which were built in international waters. Among all the forts, Roughs tower (forsaken and no man’s land) which was situated on the high seas left abandoned. Therefore, the tower Roughs legally established as extra-national territory (is free from local authority laws).

GENESIS OF SEALAND!

In 1960’s, Roy Bates the major of British army decided to establish a radio station in abandoned sea fort called as “Knock John.” BBC has created few restrictions to be followed while broadcasting in radio stations. But they were some stations follow strict rules and time limit to entertain people by broadcasting. To overcome these rules and time limit, Roy radio station includes some additional shows to grab audience attention. People had also become fond of this Knock John radio station. In addition to that, people spent those days to listen to Radio Essex stations. John and Essex stations together were called as pirate station by British people out of love. These stations had good rate of listening ratio because, these stations provided new pop music and other entertaining programs on time comparing to BBC.

After some years, Roy had to fight against the UK government for some illegal issues and lost the battle. This defeat created Roy a problem, where the UK government decided to dig the ownership of the abandoned forts built during second world war. Unfortunately, Roy’s Knock radio station falls under UK extended territory in the seas. So, government decided to take control over the fort. In the meantime, Roy came up with a plan to reestablish his radio station in another fort called as Roughs, which was built 12 km away from UK. So, the UK government had no right to take control over this fort. Roy was legally assumed to be owner of the fort. Once legal issue was solved for time being, Roy discussed about this fort issue with his attorney and decided to declare the Roughs Fort as separate nation called as SEALAND (extra-small territory).

On September 2nd of 1967, Roy celebrated his wife Joan birthday on the Sealand together with his son Michael (14-year-old), daughter Penelope (16-year-old), friends and his followers. This was the day Roy declared Roughs fort as “Principality of Sealand.” A flag for Sealand was designed and hoisted. On that auspicious moment, he honored his wife by giving her a title as “Princess Joan.”

STRIVE FACED BY ROY AND HIS FAMILY!

After Roy occupied the Roughs fort, initially they faced many problems created by the UK government. British government decided to get rid of other forts in the seas, to avoid paving way for other people to take control over it as Roy did. They also threatened Roy’s family by sending helicopter filled with bomb’s and spread smoke to torture them. British government orally browbeat Roy with harsh / abusive words. Also said that they would be next to get destroyed along with the fort. Many unknown boats with weird people were been surrounded the Roughs fort on full time. To respond back, Michael (Roy’s son) created a warning note and hanged it at the top of the fort. This increased fear to UK army, and they rushed back to the country.

Though UK army tried all the ways to scare Roy, they still thought of moving things legally since Roy is still UK citizen. According to “Firearms act” they sent out a summon to Roy. This case was on hold for some years. On 25th November 1968, Roy and his son Michael were happened to meet other UK legal people on the Essex radio station. Legal people started arguing with Roy and his son. This had heated up the situation in the fort. They even discussed about some issues which occurred in 17th century and added logical point to destroy the Roughs fort comparing with those issues.

During case hearing, UK army again came up with certain incidence (Sir Francis Drake case) and try to create or develop evidence against Roy. But the magistrate ignored to agree these points and issued the judgement, UK government had no legal rights (authority / power) towards Sealand. This was considered to be first recognition for the Principality of Sealand!

SUMMARY OF SEALAND!

Sealand has his own shield of person (coat of arms), flag and constitution. They use silent dollars as currency. The area of country measures about 0.001 square kilometers. Monarch Michael I is the ruler of the country. In 1997, passports for Sealand were canceled. Ruler of Sealand ready to sell the country for 750 million euros. No country has diplomatic relationship (method of maintaining peaceful contact in terms of trade, nation, security, technology) with Sealand. Total population of the country is 11 people. On June 23rd, 2006 the country was severely affected by fire accident.

Hope this blog gives some interesting facts about micronation and its history. Next time I will come up with new information. Until then keep reading and stay tuned for my next blog!