Leofric, Earl of Mercia becomes slightly obsessed with trade and military in the 1030s. In 1039 the (stronger than OTL) army wins the battle with Gruffydd ap Llywelyn dead and Leofric's brother Edwin surviving. Edwin over the next few of years conquerors Gruffydd's kingdom. In 1042 Leofric offers his support for Edward the Confessor if Edward agrees to the expansion and improvement of England's roads, ports and military. Edward agrees and carries out his promise over the course of his reign.
During 1045, in response to Welsh raids lead by Rhys ap Rhydderch, Edward orders the conquest of all of Wales. Upon his victory Wales is divided between the relatives of Edward's earls, one of Edward's Norman friends and Edward himself.
With the assistance of soldiers recruited from Wales, Siward of Northumbria's invasion of Scotland in 1054 is far more successful. Osbeorn Bulax, Siward's eldest son survives to inherit. While Malcolm Canmore gains control over some of Scotland as a subordinate to Edward, much of Scotland is divided up as Wales was.
Edward the Confessor in a stronger position is able to limit the power of Godwin, Earl of Wessex and his family. With the Godwins as the weakest Earldom Edward sees no need to renounce his appointment of the Duke of Normandy as his heir. Leofric's son, Ælfgar, however manages to avoid banishment and continues his father's interest in trade.
Harold Godwinson lead a rebellion against William the Conqueror in an attempt to become King of England after Edward's death, but fails to gain the support of Osbeorn and Ælfgar.
William the Conqueror and the future Kings and Queens of England inherit a Kingdom of England that covers the entire island with no separate Welsh or Scottish kingdoms. How would history be changed from this?
During 1045, in response to Welsh raids lead by Rhys ap Rhydderch, Edward orders the conquest of all of Wales. Upon his victory Wales is divided between the relatives of Edward's earls, one of Edward's Norman friends and Edward himself.
With the assistance of soldiers recruited from Wales, Siward of Northumbria's invasion of Scotland in 1054 is far more successful. Osbeorn Bulax, Siward's eldest son survives to inherit. While Malcolm Canmore gains control over some of Scotland as a subordinate to Edward, much of Scotland is divided up as Wales was.
Edward the Confessor in a stronger position is able to limit the power of Godwin, Earl of Wessex and his family. With the Godwins as the weakest Earldom Edward sees no need to renounce his appointment of the Duke of Normandy as his heir. Leofric's son, Ælfgar, however manages to avoid banishment and continues his father's interest in trade.
Harold Godwinson lead a rebellion against William the Conqueror in an attempt to become King of England after Edward's death, but fails to gain the support of Osbeorn and Ælfgar.
William the Conqueror and the future Kings and Queens of England inherit a Kingdom of England that covers the entire island with no separate Welsh or Scottish kingdoms. How would history be changed from this?