Henry the Great.
- Thread starter Quiet_Man
- Start date
Yes piracy is a major problem in TTL, both in the Caribbean and the East Indies and China seas. With fewer wars, there is far more trade, though the nations of Spain, Denmark, Britain and The Netherlands have larger fleets of pirate chasers. Whilst there are fewer "State sponsored" pirates, many of the "companies" involved in trade are not averse to paying pirates to work for them against the opposition.
(1661) The British Parliament discusses the imposition of an act that banned foreign ships from transporting goods from outside Europe to England or its colonies and banned third party countries' ships from transporting goods from a country elsewhere in Europe to England. The idea was to strengthen Britain’s shipping and increase the numbers of ships available to the Navy. Henry in his last appearance in Parliament pointed out the likelihood of it causing a war between Britain and her allies The Netherlands and Denmark in which all would suffer and none would gain. That the King opposed such a law meant that the measure was dropped, though Henry’s discussions with the North American Representatives provided a solution in that they were prepared to ask their commonwealths to provide a naval presence for North America, crewed and supported entirely from the Provinces.
Negotiations between Britain and Spain provides for Britain to purchase Tangier and Bombay (Mumbai), for £2,000,000.
The Normandy rebellion is over, the rebels had hoped for aid from King Louis of France but hat received only kind words as Louis generals had told their King that attacking Britain would be a serious mistake at this time.
A promising young student, Isaac Newton, is admitted as a student to Trinity College, Cambridge.
Water ices go on sale for the first time in London under the direction of Sicilian limonadier Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli from Palermo). Fruit-flavored ices were originated by the Chinese, who taught the art to the Persians and Arabs.
The first Punch and Judy show is recorded as having played in London.
In the Netherlands a series of trade agreements are reached with the Ottoman Empire that will allow the Dutch to start trading in spices and cinnamon across a land route rather than the ever increasingly dangerous sea routes.
This year sees a massive shipbuilding program taking place in Denmark as King Christian is determined to strengthen Denmark’s presence on the world stage. Trade and exploration will massively increase over the years of his reign and closer ties with Sweden will result as past mistakes and wars become old memories. Danish merchants, particularly from the German Holdings to the south also begin to expand east inland looking for new markets.
Sweden begins the construction of a massive series of forts along the Lithuanian Russian border, grimly determined to keep Russia out of the affairs of the Baltic Countries.
In France Louis anger at his Generals refusal to aid the rebels in Normandy cools and with the aid of several military advisors he begins a program to increase the size and quality of the French army to a point where France will be feared as an opponent in Europe. Louis long term aims the restoration of France to its former glory.
Spain uses the money gained from the sale of Tangiers’ and Bombay to expand her interests in China, opening direct communications with the high officials surrounding the new Emperor. Promising aid against the Rebel Koxinga.
Japan's Takanoshi family opens a business in food seasonings; it will develop a reputation for its soy sauce.
The Ottoman grand vizier Mehmed Köprülü dies at Adrianople in Thrace after a 6-year reign in which he has suppressed rivals, put down insurrections, restored the central authority of the empire, expanded its Balkan holdings, and reorganized the army. His 26-year-old son Fazl Ahmed made governor-general of Damascus last year is appointed grand vizier and will serve with equal distinction until his death in 1676 as Fazl Ahmed Köprülü, maintaining a private force of about 1,500 mercenary soldiers (sekbans) while developing a reputation as a scholar of Islamic law and Persian literature.
The seventh Sikh guru Har Rai dies in the Punjab after a 17-year reign in which missionary activity has declined while the guru devoted himself to spiritual exercises. He is succeeded by his 5-year-old son Hari Krishen, despite protests from his older brother Ram Rai, who has curried favor with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Hari Krishen will be titular head of the sect until his death and will move the Sikh people into much closer ties with Britain.
The Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty of China dies and is succeeded by his third son, Xuan Ye (Hsuan Yeh), who will reign until 1722 as Kangxi (K'ang-hsi). Now 6, the new emperor will begin his personal rule in 1667, ushering in a period of cultural achievement that will surpass the greatest achievements of earlier dynasties. Jesuit scholar-missionaries will be encouraged to bring their scientific knowledge to China, which Kangxi will enlarge by adding parts of Russia and Outer Mongolia while extending Chinese suzerainty over Tibet, though the situation in the south with Koxinga will be the one blight on his reign.
Negotiations between Britain and Spain provides for Britain to purchase Tangier and Bombay (Mumbai), for £2,000,000.
The Normandy rebellion is over, the rebels had hoped for aid from King Louis of France but hat received only kind words as Louis generals had told their King that attacking Britain would be a serious mistake at this time.
A promising young student, Isaac Newton, is admitted as a student to Trinity College, Cambridge.
Water ices go on sale for the first time in London under the direction of Sicilian limonadier Francesco Procopio dei Coltelli from Palermo). Fruit-flavored ices were originated by the Chinese, who taught the art to the Persians and Arabs.
The first Punch and Judy show is recorded as having played in London.
In the Netherlands a series of trade agreements are reached with the Ottoman Empire that will allow the Dutch to start trading in spices and cinnamon across a land route rather than the ever increasingly dangerous sea routes.
This year sees a massive shipbuilding program taking place in Denmark as King Christian is determined to strengthen Denmark’s presence on the world stage. Trade and exploration will massively increase over the years of his reign and closer ties with Sweden will result as past mistakes and wars become old memories. Danish merchants, particularly from the German Holdings to the south also begin to expand east inland looking for new markets.
Sweden begins the construction of a massive series of forts along the Lithuanian Russian border, grimly determined to keep Russia out of the affairs of the Baltic Countries.
In France Louis anger at his Generals refusal to aid the rebels in Normandy cools and with the aid of several military advisors he begins a program to increase the size and quality of the French army to a point where France will be feared as an opponent in Europe. Louis long term aims the restoration of France to its former glory.
Spain uses the money gained from the sale of Tangiers’ and Bombay to expand her interests in China, opening direct communications with the high officials surrounding the new Emperor. Promising aid against the Rebel Koxinga.
Japan's Takanoshi family opens a business in food seasonings; it will develop a reputation for its soy sauce.
The Ottoman grand vizier Mehmed Köprülü dies at Adrianople in Thrace after a 6-year reign in which he has suppressed rivals, put down insurrections, restored the central authority of the empire, expanded its Balkan holdings, and reorganized the army. His 26-year-old son Fazl Ahmed made governor-general of Damascus last year is appointed grand vizier and will serve with equal distinction until his death in 1676 as Fazl Ahmed Köprülü, maintaining a private force of about 1,500 mercenary soldiers (sekbans) while developing a reputation as a scholar of Islamic law and Persian literature.
The seventh Sikh guru Har Rai dies in the Punjab after a 17-year reign in which missionary activity has declined while the guru devoted himself to spiritual exercises. He is succeeded by his 5-year-old son Hari Krishen, despite protests from his older brother Ram Rai, who has curried favor with the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Hari Krishen will be titular head of the sect until his death and will move the Sikh people into much closer ties with Britain.
The Shunzhi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty of China dies and is succeeded by his third son, Xuan Ye (Hsuan Yeh), who will reign until 1722 as Kangxi (K'ang-hsi). Now 6, the new emperor will begin his personal rule in 1667, ushering in a period of cultural achievement that will surpass the greatest achievements of earlier dynasties. Jesuit scholar-missionaries will be encouraged to bring their scientific knowledge to China, which Kangxi will enlarge by adding parts of Russia and Outer Mongolia while extending Chinese suzerainty over Tibet, though the situation in the south with Koxinga will be the one blight on his reign.
Indeed it would have meant war with Denmark and the Netherlands - end of the Protestant League.
As already stated Denmark-Norway will provide the means for the Scandinavians to go overseas and support their colonies. Good that old enemies will mend their wounds and start cooperation, especially with the division of interests - territorially.
That would also mean that Sweden in case of conflict could rely on a secure Baltic.
(1662) A Year of great sadness in Britain as the death of the King affected all, both young and old, rich and poor.
Henry’s death in his sleep at the Royal Residence came as a surprise to the nation and although the King had recently been showing his age he was still regarded as a strong “vital” man.
Word was sent out to James his son and he and his family travelled to London where affairs of state were put in motion for a Royal funeral. Word was sent out to Sweden where Henry’s son Robert ruled and Holland where his daughter and her husband lived. Both set sail on their swiftest ships to attend, Robert joined by King Christian of Denmark as he passed Copenhagen. Henry’s body had been packed in straw and ice until arrangements could be made and lay in state for four weeks.
The funeral was unlike any seen in Britain, reports of the time say that the funeral train took over 6 hours to pass with thousands of mourners packing the Royal Parade as Henry’s body mounted on a chariot complete with an effigy was slowly walked up the Parade drawn by one black horse with Prince James holding the reins. Ahead of the cortege was a lone soldier chosen by lot from the 1st Regiment of Foot (aka Henry’s Own) carrying a cushion with a broken katana on it. The chariot itself was followed by members of Henry’s immediate family, then other Royalty, Lords and M.P.’s from the Commons as well as close personal friends of Henry. Behind the nobility marched a single platoon of each regiment in the armies of the realm including the Samurai Guards, Haudenosaunee Scouts, Colonial Cavalry and Capetown Dragoons all with their standards lowered. Yet swelling behind the cortege and unplanned came a mass of ordinary people who had travelled to London to pay their respects.
Henry was laid to rest next to his Queen in Westminster Abbey and the unadorned tomb bears recognisance of the change that had come over Britain during his reign with the simple inscription,
Reflecting the fact that he was the first King of all Britain.
Identical parades were held in many other towns in Britain including being replicated at the Universities for at this time a funeral spectacle could be separated from the body.
The Fifty Shilling British coin is minted this year, it’s only ever issued for the year after a monarch dies. The last one from the Henry minting to come up for auction reached an astounding £2,340,000. They are exceedingly rare and highly valued amongst collectors over the world.
John Grant, in one of the earliest uses of statistics, published statistical information about the births and deaths in London.
Chinese oranges are introduced in Britain.
John Flamsteed an astronomer makes copious notes on a solar eclipse, 1st known astronomical observation.
In France on hearing of the death of Henry, Louis orders a day of celebrations to be held on the day of his funeral, though enjoyed by the populace, many intellectuals feel the whole thing to be crass and report it so in their diaries.
Philip of Spain sends his senior advisor (García Sarmiento de Sotomayor) to Henry’s funeral.
Prince of Gui, last remaining claimant to the Ming throne, is killed; Ming Dynasty dies out. Koxinga declares a new dynasty (Zheng) centred on himself and continues to carve out a kingdom in southern China despite everything the Qing/Manchu dynasty can do to prevent him. During this time he seizes Macao and drives off the Portuguese and offers it to his British “patrons”.
Henry’s death in his sleep at the Royal Residence came as a surprise to the nation and although the King had recently been showing his age he was still regarded as a strong “vital” man.
Word was sent out to James his son and he and his family travelled to London where affairs of state were put in motion for a Royal funeral. Word was sent out to Sweden where Henry’s son Robert ruled and Holland where his daughter and her husband lived. Both set sail on their swiftest ships to attend, Robert joined by King Christian of Denmark as he passed Copenhagen. Henry’s body had been packed in straw and ice until arrangements could be made and lay in state for four weeks.
The funeral was unlike any seen in Britain, reports of the time say that the funeral train took over 6 hours to pass with thousands of mourners packing the Royal Parade as Henry’s body mounted on a chariot complete with an effigy was slowly walked up the Parade drawn by one black horse with Prince James holding the reins. Ahead of the cortege was a lone soldier chosen by lot from the 1st Regiment of Foot (aka Henry’s Own) carrying a cushion with a broken katana on it. The chariot itself was followed by members of Henry’s immediate family, then other Royalty, Lords and M.P.’s from the Commons as well as close personal friends of Henry. Behind the nobility marched a single platoon of each regiment in the armies of the realm including the Samurai Guards, Haudenosaunee Scouts, Colonial Cavalry and Capetown Dragoons all with their standards lowered. Yet swelling behind the cortege and unplanned came a mass of ordinary people who had travelled to London to pay their respects.
Henry was laid to rest next to his Queen in Westminster Abbey and the unadorned tomb bears recognisance of the change that had come over Britain during his reign with the simple inscription,
Henry I
Rex
Magnus
Identical parades were held in many other towns in Britain including being replicated at the Universities for at this time a funeral spectacle could be separated from the body.
The Fifty Shilling British coin is minted this year, it’s only ever issued for the year after a monarch dies. The last one from the Henry minting to come up for auction reached an astounding £2,340,000. They are exceedingly rare and highly valued amongst collectors over the world.
John Grant, in one of the earliest uses of statistics, published statistical information about the births and deaths in London.
Chinese oranges are introduced in Britain.
John Flamsteed an astronomer makes copious notes on a solar eclipse, 1st known astronomical observation.
In France on hearing of the death of Henry, Louis orders a day of celebrations to be held on the day of his funeral, though enjoyed by the populace, many intellectuals feel the whole thing to be crass and report it so in their diaries.
Philip of Spain sends his senior advisor (García Sarmiento de Sotomayor) to Henry’s funeral.
Prince of Gui, last remaining claimant to the Ming throne, is killed; Ming Dynasty dies out. Koxinga declares a new dynasty (Zheng) centred on himself and continues to carve out a kingdom in southern China despite everything the Qing/Manchu dynasty can do to prevent him. During this time he seizes Macao and drives off the Portuguese and offers it to his British “patrons”.
Good good, i have also really enjoyed this TL, you obviously put a lot of work into it
I'll post it here, it's complete, though how it will read (or even make sense) might require editing. there's also a map of the TL as it stands in 2000 too.
(1663) James I King of Britain is crowned in a series of ceremonies drawn up by his father that though enhanced today are of the same basic format.
First in Scotland he is crowned King of that land and given a ceremonial shield representing that he is to guard his people.
Then to Ireland where he is crowned King of that land and given a mace (sceptre) that he may deal swiftly and surely with his people’s enemies.
Then to Wales where he is confirmed as ruler of that land and given a Welsh gold ring binding him to the people of the Kingdom.
Finally to London where he is crowned King with the crown of Britain and then steps out of Westminster Abbey to face his people. He then takes from a cushion held by a lady in waiting the broken sword of his father and holds it high then turns to the youngest soldier in the army to place down the broken sword and pick up a new sword whole and sharp. He is then acclaimed 3 times by the people “Hail James, our King, lead us!”
So is crowned James I, King of Britain, Ireland and King of Man and the Isles.
(Excerpt from the book “The beginning of Modern Britain.” Author J Fortesque. Imperium Press 2007.
……..these days it is popular to look back and judge the past by modern standards, decrying the slavery, child labour and general plight of the common man. Many look back to the reign of Henry the 1st and have called him imperialist, pirate, kinslayer and yet whilst listing his supposed faults, miss the foundations he laid that have led to the Imperium and modern Britain. Today we take our right to vote for granted and that Parliamentary boroughs are of equal size or value. We travel when we must upon a road system laid down by Henry’s decree and can worship freely to our choice also thanks to Henry.
Many believe or have proposed that such would have happened under any King, yet an examination of what we know of Charles, shows that having lived under his brothers shadow may have lead to a very different realm should as some suggest Henry had died of Typhus in 1612 at the age of 18. Whilst it is not in the nature of a scholarly document to indulge in speculation, the very weakness of Charles, his inflexibility, his vanity and his fallibility to flattery could very well have broken the Kingdom Henry preserved and nurtured.
Could the Imperium as we know it have grown without Henry? The facts speak for themselves……………….)
First in Scotland he is crowned King of that land and given a ceremonial shield representing that he is to guard his people.
Then to Ireland where he is crowned King of that land and given a mace (sceptre) that he may deal swiftly and surely with his people’s enemies.
Then to Wales where he is confirmed as ruler of that land and given a Welsh gold ring binding him to the people of the Kingdom.
Finally to London where he is crowned King with the crown of Britain and then steps out of Westminster Abbey to face his people. He then takes from a cushion held by a lady in waiting the broken sword of his father and holds it high then turns to the youngest soldier in the army to place down the broken sword and pick up a new sword whole and sharp. He is then acclaimed 3 times by the people “Hail James, our King, lead us!”
So is crowned James I, King of Britain, Ireland and King of Man and the Isles.
(Excerpt from the book “The beginning of Modern Britain.” Author J Fortesque. Imperium Press 2007.
……..these days it is popular to look back and judge the past by modern standards, decrying the slavery, child labour and general plight of the common man. Many look back to the reign of Henry the 1st and have called him imperialist, pirate, kinslayer and yet whilst listing his supposed faults, miss the foundations he laid that have led to the Imperium and modern Britain. Today we take our right to vote for granted and that Parliamentary boroughs are of equal size or value. We travel when we must upon a road system laid down by Henry’s decree and can worship freely to our choice also thanks to Henry.
Many believe or have proposed that such would have happened under any King, yet an examination of what we know of Charles, shows that having lived under his brothers shadow may have lead to a very different realm should as some suggest Henry had died of Typhus in 1612 at the age of 18. Whilst it is not in the nature of a scholarly document to indulge in speculation, the very weakness of Charles, his inflexibility, his vanity and his fallibility to flattery could very well have broken the Kingdom Henry preserved and nurtured.
Could the Imperium as we know it have grown without Henry? The facts speak for themselves……………….)
Finis.
Second that was an amazing TL and the detail you kept up with it the whole time was brilliant