British Pathe

A story about Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. Introductory intertitle reads: "You've all heard of Lundy Island which has its own 'king', laws and coinage. Well, here it is."

L/S of the island seen from a boat. Shot of a man rowing towards the island in a small boat (the cameraman is in...

A story about Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. Introductory intertitle reads: "You've all heard of Lundy Island which has its own 'king', laws and coinage. Well, here it is."

L/S of the island seen from a boat. Shot of a man rowing towards the island in a small boat (the cameraman is in the rowing boat too.) The boat arrives on the island and it seems as though goods are taken off the boat. High angle shot of men walking up a rocky hillside. We are shown the view of the rocky coastline. High angle shot of a small farmhouse and tiny cemetery. Various shots of walled fields. L/S of a lighthouse sitting on the top of a cliff. High angle of the sea lapping against the shore. M/S of the old lighthouse which is now a wireless station. C/U of a man inside the lighthouse speaking into a microphone - presumably the lighthouse operator. C/U of his wireless set.

"The Island was originally a gift from the Conqueror to de Marisco, who built the castle in A.D. 1150." L/S of the castle. Closer view of the ruins. "The 'King's' House" - L/S of a large house. A relic of pirate days is the old French cannon. C/U of a man cleaning (?) the cannon. Lundy has one village and a population of 16. L/S of a man herding a flock of ducks or geese in front of the village church. L/S of the inhabitants of the island. They all stand together, adults and children and a dog. The island has its own coinage which is called "Puffins." C/U of the coins. C/U of the coins held in an open hand. Other inhabitants are shown - goats. C/U of a woman feeding a baby goat with a bottle.C/U of the baby sucking on the bottle. L/S of deer running along the top of a hill. Lundy's "bright spot" is the tavern as there are no laws about opening hours here. L/S of the "Marisco Tavern and General Stores" with half a dozen men standing outside. The men drink beer and play darts (the dart board is on the outside wall of the pub.) M/S of the men as they raise their glasses.

All very quaint! Nicely filmed.

Was an item in Pathe Pictorial issue number 675.