The British Isles

“The British Isles” – The signing of the Magna Carta was the start of a political evolution in England which saw parliament, including members elected by the towns and shires, becoming an important element in government. The development was driven by the need to pay for wars with the Scots, Welsh, Irish and, above all, the French. Apart from the occupation of Wales and parts of Ireland, these achieved little. The nation, defeated in France, is demoralised. Resentment with royal government is deep and widespread. The stage is set for civil war. The British Isles are deeply affected by the Black Death. For the survivors, this tragedy has helped the standard of living for the bulk of the population to rise considerably, spurring the end of feudalism and an expansion of commerce.

From the highlands the Scottish Elvin kings have sent peace ambassadors to the English throne. This has lead to a continued expansion of trade, coupled with the colonization of large areas of Ireland, the beginnings of the settlement of America, but also a growing rift between the extravagant court and the religiously-dominated parliament. This rift has broken out into a series of Civil Wars, which involved England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.