Sealand, now run by Michael Bates, is used as a base for internet servers and other business ventures.

BBC: 'Prince of Sealand' Roy Bates dies in Essex

Chanderpaul's resistance was finally broken when Cork, who had previously accounted for Lancashire captain Glen Chapple, had him caught by debutant wicketkeeper Michael Bates.

BBC: Lancashire's Chanderpaul fails to halt Hampshire

Michael Bates said they were taken to Holland and he returned with his father to successfully recapture Sealand and the five men who were on it.

BBC: 'Prince of Sealand' Roy Bates dies in Essex

Chilton edged David Balcombe to wicketkeeper Michael Bates to give Hampshire their first success, while Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Steven Croft both edged Briggs to slip after making starts.

BBC: Lancashire bat out to draw with Hampshire

In 1978, three foreign men landed at Sealand by helicopter and overpowered Mr Bates's son Michael to claim the 'principality' as their own.

BBC: Life on Sealand: Firearms, fishing and the Cosmic Sea Cat