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What If The Dutch Occupied Scilly in 1651?



During the English Civil War The Dutch supported the Parliamentarian side of the conflict. The Royalist fleet based itself partially in Scilly and harassed both merchant and military ships with some losses. Admiral HarpertszoonTromp arrived on the Isles demanding reparations for lost merchandise and ships on behalf of the Dutch Navy and Government in early April 1651. These demands were ignored and war was declared on the Scilly Islands specifically. There was never a shot fired as the Royalist surrendered their fleet to Parliamentarian forces in June 1651 and the Declaration of War quickly forgotten.



My question is what if The Dutch Navy had managed to land troops and take the Scilly Isles before Parliamentarian action made that impossible. What would the significance be of this intervention and loss of territory? I can't imagine the Dutch would hold onto the islands very long why turn a friend into an enemy now that you have what you want. What territory or concessions could the Dutch Government trade Scilly for though? I can just imagine them meeting with Cromwell and saying sure you can have Scilly back but we want.......?



So what do the Dutch negotiate for land, money, just the basic reparations? Would love to hear thoughts and opinion on this as I'm no expert on the subject.


Fun Fact: A peace treaty between The Netherlands and Scilly was not signed until April 17th 1986. Meaning that the two were in a bloodless war without hostilities of any kind for 335 years. Guess both countries had better things to do lol.
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