alternatehistory.com

Despite the fact that many thousands of people from north of the Watford Gap also emigrated to the UK's various colonies throughout history, it's hard to think of a single one where there's any trace of a non southern English accent, whether it be the modified West Country twang of the North Americans or the Cockneyesque of the Antiipodeans. The only exceptions seem to be Scottish and Irish accents.

So. The challenge is simple. A colony that grows into a state where the people sound vaguely like they're from Yorkshire, Lancashire, the North East or the West or East Midlands.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a separate country.
Top