Jethro wrote:Greywolf, firstly you are linking to what looks like a slightly dubious source and secondly the map shows the "Kingdom" of Northumbria which suggests it wasn't at that time even part of "England". Debate!
being a Kingdom wouldn't rule out being part of a larger state: e.g. the Kingdom of Bavaria remained a Kingdom with ruling Kings (admittedly usually mad) for c. 50 years after incorporation into Germany...
but I wasn't trying to make a serious territorial claim, merely (and obliquely) commenting on the transitory and arbitrary nature of nations and their borders: if you go back far enough everywhere was part of somewhere else, and despite nationalist narratives the current map results more from accident and bodge than nature or divine design: e.g. Scotland only got Orkney & Shetland as security for the unpaid dowry of James the Third’s child-bride…
…and once you get to national stereotypes & historical pervs, it’s impossible not to link to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybQCNb4AuW4 (obviously not safe for work, children, or anyone who’s sensitive about their national identity
)
