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Why Isn’t Britain Just One Country

Have you ever wondered why this small island off the north-west coast of Europe isn’t just one country? When did it all start? In this video, I’ll share my take on the origins of England, Scotland, and Wales as we know them today. My answer? It all began in 937, over 1,000 years ago. Back in the 10th century, Britain was divided into competing kingdoms: • In the North: Alba (northern Scotland), led by King Constantine, and Strathclyde (southern Scotland, parts of northern England and Wales), ruled by King Owain. • Northern England: Controlled by Norse-descended Earls of Northumbria, based in York, and linked to the Norse Kingdom of Dublin under King Olaf Guthfrithson. • Central and Southern England: Ruled by King Athelstan, who united Wessex and Mercia but hadn’t yet formed “England.” Viking raids and settlements had challenged both the Anglo-Saxons and Celts for decades. By 928, Athelstan defeated the Earls of Northumbria, prompting King Constantine and others to form an alliance. The tension culminated in 937 at the Battle of Brunanburh (likely in the Wirral). This bloody conflict saw Athelstan’s Anglo-Saxon army decisively defeat the combined Celtic and Viking forces. This victory was pivotal: 1. It defined England’s borders, confining the Celts to Scotland and Wales. 2. It unified Wessex and Mercia into a single Kingdom of England. As for Scotland, its modern borders were largely established in 1018 after the Battle of Carham, where Alba and Strathclyde forces defeated the English. Wales’ borders have evolved gradually, starting with Offa’s Dyke in the 8th century, Edward I’s conquest in the 13th century, and the Acts of Union under Henry VIII. So, when did England begin? 937. Scotland followed in 1018, and Wales became formally integrated later on. Explore the fascinating origins of these nations and how history shaped the Britain we know today.