A rediscovered photograph has shed new light on the 1963 annexation of Puffin Island, a diplomatic crisis largely overshadowed by the Bay of Pigs and the opening of Woolworths in Llangefni.
The photograph shows Holyhead mayor Ken Owen signing Article 51, formally claiming Puffin Island on behalf of the town, watched by another dignitary wearing a chain substantial enough to suggest he also had the authority to do things.
Ken Owens, the then Mayor of Holyhead, with another man wearing a chain.
Both men appear delighted, apparently unaware that their actions would lead to the Great Puffin War of 1967.
“At the time, they thought it was a straightforward administrative matter,” explained local historian Emyr Files. “There were no objections during the consultation period. Unfortunately, the consultation was held in Holyhead on a Tuesday evening, and none of the puffins had a lift.”
Under Article 51, the island’s residents became liable for council rates, planning permission for burrow extensions and a small annual charge for looking out to sea.
The puffins initially responded by ignoring the paperwork.
Relations deteriorated when a council delegation arrived to explain that several nests had been constructed without approval and one colony was technically operating as an unlicensed multiple-occupancy property.
“That was the turning point,” said Mr Files. “You can take a puffin’s fish. You can question his boundaries. But turn up at his burrow with a clipboard and tell him he needs a fire door, and you’re asking for trouble.”
By 1967, an organised resistance movement had formed.
The Great Puffin War began shortly afterwards, with a coordinated aerial assault on a council picnic. Three sandwiches were lost, a ceremonial hat was extensively soiled and the deputy town clerk retreated into a public toilet.
Reinforcements were requested but could not be deployed because the boat belonged to a man who was at a wedding.
After several humiliating encounters, Holyhead agreed to peace talks.
The resulting Treaty of the Slightly Sticky Picnic Table recognised the Independent Puffin Republic and required the council to withdraw its territorial claim, cancel all outstanding rates demands and return a bucket of confiscated sand eels.
Despite its historical significance, the conflict received almost no coverage.
“People were still talking about the Bay of Pigs,” explained Mr Files. “Then Woolworths opened in Llangefni and, frankly, there was only so much international news anyone could take.”
The local paper reportedly prepared a major investigation, but the space was needed for a photograph of the new pick ’n’ mix counter.
Today, Puffin Island remains a fiercely independent republic, with its own fishing policy, strict border controls and no recognised procedure for responding to emails.
Diplomatic relations with Holyhead are described as “civil, provided they stay over there”.
Visiting dignitaries are welcome, although anyone wearing a ceremonial chain is shat on as a precaution.
