Norman Union

Alrighty, I leave you with a Norman WI:

Instead of being married off to Emperor Henry V, Matilda, daughter of Henry I of England, is married to Roger II, Count (future King) of Sicily. Let's have brother William shuffle loose the mortal coil before his father as IOTL, leaving Matilda the only heir (or at least Henry's only living issue) to the throne of England. With the support of the rather wealthy Kingdom of Sicily, Matilda's bid for the throne is rather stronger, and she becomes Queen. Their child (a not dead Roger, Duke of Apulia) would be heir to both of the Norman Kingdoms. What d'ya think, AH.com?

[Waits to be savagely mauled by the British board members for some egregious error in English history]
 
If she's off in Sicily when Henry I dies wouldn't Stephen have an easier time claiming the throne?

Not to mention the problems holding it if Matilda and hubby do gain control. Given the communications of the time they will have difficulty ruling both states and rely on a deputy in one of the regions [probably England]. There will be the tendency to either prefer a local monarch, rather than 'Sicilan' rule or more capacity for nobles to strengthen their power at the expense of the monarch. In the latter case periodical attempts to re-impose royal rule will incite opposition.

As such I can see plenty of scope for conflict and violence in this scenario.

Steve
 
Top