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Alternate History of Britain is an Alternate History of the British Isles collaboration between Super LV, Welsh Mapping, and Irish Mapping. Super LV uploaded the first episode on November 10, 2016, Welsh uploaded the second episode on November 20, 2016, and Irish uploaded the third on December 4, 2016.

The plot, which spans from 1066 to 1124, centers on an alternate aftermath to the Battle of Hastings in where the Norse and Scottish gained land in England, as the British Isles has a cold war and is divided into two factions, generally the largest powers, and the remaining smaller ones.

Plot[]

Alternate History of Britain Collab 1066

The map of the British Isles in 1066.

Norman Invasion of England[]

In 1066, Normandy and England fought over southern Britain, and they each clashed verbally. As the Normans continued to make hard pushes into England, in 1068 Norway decided that they could capitalize on the situation, and declared war on England. The Normans and the Norse continue to invade England, and in 1072, Scotland jumps on board, eyeing Northumberland. England is eventually forced to capitulate in 1074, out of their last remaining stronghold in Suffolk, and the English throne goes to the Normans.

Scottish Civil War[]

After the collapse of England, Scotland decided to centralize its government in order to combat the surrounding Norse. It's vassals immediately objected and rebelled in 1079, starting the Scottish Civil War. Eventually, the rebels and the government had a stalemate in 1081, and Scotland offered a ceasefire and gave the rebels independence as the Highlands.

Alternate History of Britain Collab 1086

The map of the British Isles after the First Strathclydian-Irish War.

First Strathclydian-Irish War[]

Strathclyde expresses interest in the recent Scottish Civil War, and decides that to compete in the political atmosphere after the collapse of England, it too must expand. It sets eyes on Ireland, deducing that mainland Britain is too dangerous to colonize. It offers territory to any Irish state willing to declare war on Ulaid, and Uí Néill accepts the proposition. In 1085, they both declared war on Ulaid and forced it to capitulate.

IBreifne asked Oriel for a defensive pact after the war, to defend itself from Uí Néill. Oriel accepted and signed in 1087.

Irish War on the Norse[]

In 1088, Meath organizes an invasion of the Norse colonies in Ireland to limit their expansion. Munster and Lenister join the cause, and they soon destroy every Norse stronghold in Ireland, taking the land for themselves.

Anglo-Norse War for Wales[]

In response, the Norse reluctantly abandon the Irish cause and focus their efforts on Wales, adopting a diplomatic approach. They contact Gwynedd and offer to support an invasion of Deheubarth. The Gwyneddish accept, and the war begins in 1092. England notices this and they ask Glamorgan to join forces and take as much Deheubarthian territory as possible, in order to limit Norse influence in Wales. Glamorgan accepts and they conquer southern Deheubarth, while Gwynedd annexes much of the north. Gwynedd is not content with this land, and declares war on Glamorgan, before the Norse warns them not to, as England would retaliate. Unfortunately for the Norse, they do.

Alternate History of Britain War for Wales

The map of the British Isles after the War for Wales.

The Norse, backed by Gwynedd, and the English, backed by Glamorgan, begin to fight. Eventually, England betrays Glamorgan and declares war on it. Gwynedd eventually offers a peace treaty that details these articles:

  • Norway and Gwynedd will annex any occupied territory on the English front.
  • England will annex eastern Glamorgan.
  • Gwynedd will annex the remainder of Glamorgan.

England reluctantly accepts this proposal, yet warns Gwynedd that the Norse will not always be around to save them. The treaty is ratified, and Gwynedd reforms into Wales.

War for the Norse Islands[]

Strathclyde notices that Norway is weak from the recent war with England, and begins a campaign to conquer nearby Norse islands. The Highlands join on a separate side and also begin island-hopping, and Strathclyde and Norway even begin attacking eachother's mainland. Eventually, however, Norway surrenders their islands to Strathclyde and the Highlands.

Anglo-Irish War[]

England notices the rising power of Strathclyde, and decides to counter them with an invasion of Ireland. They declare war on Leinster and Osraige and stops relatively short after their invasion, only claiming a small portion of land.

Connacht disproves of the English influence in Ireland, and Munster chimes in, claiming that the English are a threat to the Irish culture. Uí Néill suggests that improving relations with Strathclyde could turn the tables in the favor of the Irish in an event with a war with England. So, Strathclyde is offered this proposal by the Irish;

  • Strathclyde will promise not to expand further into Ireland.
  • The Irish will support a Strathclydian Invasion of Scotland.
Alternate History of Britain Collab Eve of the Great War

The map of the British Isles on the dawn of the Great War of the British Isles.

Strathclyde, however, scoffs at the proposal and insults the Irish. Uí Néill is reduced, to begging, and Strathclyde, annoyed, declares war. The Irish back Uí Néill and declare war on Strathclyde. England decides to side with Strathclyde, as they seek to gain more by invading Ireland. The Highlands supports the English and Strathclydians, and the Norse and Scottish support the Irish.

Great War of the British Isles[]

The war begins in 1115, where generally England, Strathclyde, and the Highlands are making consistent gains. Three years later, Leinster is the first to surrender to the might of the English, as it gives its territory to the rest of the Irish, inspiring them to fight harder. Munster resists, and claims that if they simply attack English ports, they could halt their advances. Connacht counters this point by arguing that England can simply build another port in newly occupied areas. Munster gives in and agrees to the plan.

The Irish begin pounding into Strathclyde, who soon question their losses. They blame England for their lack of success. England, offended, turns on Strathclyde and makes peace with the Irish, creating a third side.

Alternate History of Britain Collab End of the Great War

The map of the British Isles after the end of the Great War of the British Isles.

Norway and Wales are forced to surrender to England. England occupies some Norse and Welsh territory, and puppets the remaining governments. They then pull out of the war, leaving Strathclyde and the Highlands fighting Scotland and the Irish.

Strathclyde soon surrenders to the Irish and are forced out of the island. Ulaid is set up again. Strathclyde and the Highlands continue to invade Scotland, who, despite being the underdog, makes impressive gains in territory against the invaders. The Highlands eventually surrender to Scotland, and Strathclyde soon after surrenders too. Scotland forces them to surrender unconditionally, and after some resistance Strathclyde accepts, ending the war.

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