GdwnsnHo
Banned
In my mind the answer is quite complex, much more than the "Obviously Paris is the capital and England is the province" which always seems to be the trope that is rolled out (no offense intended to anyone who agrees with that trope, I simply don't)
1) Yes, Paris is valuable, and is probably the most important city in the Empire. However, of the two real potential capitals, Paris is the most vulnerable in case of invasion. An alternative is London - safer from invasion. Another alternative is a purpose-built capital, somewhere roughly central, coastal, and safe - which makes me think of Brittany, or Normandy. The cheapest alternative, and potentially the best (IMO, my choice) is to have an administrative capital for each region - London, Paris, Toulouse, but have a roaming court that visits the various major cities in England and France over a series of years before repeating. Either that or a purpose-built capital on the north/northwestern coast of France.
2) France may be divided into multiple subcultures, but the most loyal to the Anglo-French Monarchs were the English (oddly enough), and the Gascons. Whilst a King might want to have Frenchmen about, and be one himself, if the locals don't see that, he'll need loyal enforcers - which means Englishmen and Gascons. Their increased importance will likely mean that formerly insignificant English, Gascon, or Anglo-French nobles, and sergeants are a prime group to recruit new nobles from. -> French noble rebels? Who do you want to replace him with? Another potentially rebellious Frenchman from the old regime, or do you uplift someone who owes loyalty to you alone?
So yeah, French-Speaking Kings, of England and France, with a rule largely enforced by Anglo-French, English, and Gascon Lords. add in the likelihood of the Kings granting a Parliament in exchange for concessions or support from the nobility in a time of crisis, and I'd expect various smaller French Parliaments, a larger British Parliament, all of which can be summoned together for the biggest issues (i.e. War-Funding).
Add in the now strategic importance of conquering Scotland and Ireland to secure the British Isles and prevent someone attacking the most loyal part of the Empire, and you've probably got another two potential parliaments there.
I do love the idea of a ruling class speaking a mix of Gascon, English and French. Especially as it merges into one language.
TL;DR Initial mix of Parliament and Feudal lords, with the latter being replaced with loyal uplifted replacements, until such point that a Parliament needs to be provided. Either a roaming court with a variety of administrative centres, or a brand new administrative centre that is more defensible than Paris, and on the coast. Scotland and Ireland rapidly conquered and eventually forming their own Parliaments.
1) Yes, Paris is valuable, and is probably the most important city in the Empire. However, of the two real potential capitals, Paris is the most vulnerable in case of invasion. An alternative is London - safer from invasion. Another alternative is a purpose-built capital, somewhere roughly central, coastal, and safe - which makes me think of Brittany, or Normandy. The cheapest alternative, and potentially the best (IMO, my choice) is to have an administrative capital for each region - London, Paris, Toulouse, but have a roaming court that visits the various major cities in England and France over a series of years before repeating. Either that or a purpose-built capital on the north/northwestern coast of France.
2) France may be divided into multiple subcultures, but the most loyal to the Anglo-French Monarchs were the English (oddly enough), and the Gascons. Whilst a King might want to have Frenchmen about, and be one himself, if the locals don't see that, he'll need loyal enforcers - which means Englishmen and Gascons. Their increased importance will likely mean that formerly insignificant English, Gascon, or Anglo-French nobles, and sergeants are a prime group to recruit new nobles from. -> French noble rebels? Who do you want to replace him with? Another potentially rebellious Frenchman from the old regime, or do you uplift someone who owes loyalty to you alone?
So yeah, French-Speaking Kings, of England and France, with a rule largely enforced by Anglo-French, English, and Gascon Lords. add in the likelihood of the Kings granting a Parliament in exchange for concessions or support from the nobility in a time of crisis, and I'd expect various smaller French Parliaments, a larger British Parliament, all of which can be summoned together for the biggest issues (i.e. War-Funding).
Add in the now strategic importance of conquering Scotland and Ireland to secure the British Isles and prevent someone attacking the most loyal part of the Empire, and you've probably got another two potential parliaments there.
I do love the idea of a ruling class speaking a mix of Gascon, English and French. Especially as it merges into one language.
TL;DR Initial mix of Parliament and Feudal lords, with the latter being replaced with loyal uplifted replacements, until such point that a Parliament needs to be provided. Either a roaming court with a variety of administrative centres, or a brand new administrative centre that is more defensible than Paris, and on the coast. Scotland and Ireland rapidly conquered and eventually forming their own Parliaments.