The Economist

From their Holiday Double issue is this story titled: "Brentry".

I find it is another attempt by the media to understand and in that way explain Brexit.  The Economist uses history.  Specifically the Norman Conquest, exactly 950 years ago it was: " the single greatest political change England has ever seen."  It was a horrifyingly bloody and transformative time, and the results of that invasion continue until today.  The Anglo-Saxon system of government and its economy was destroyed and replaced by the 'continental' system.  The Economist names that transformation 'Brentry': the British entry to the continent's way of governance, business, and ecclesiastics.  The lands of 4,000 English Lords passed over to 200 Norman and French Barons.  By 1073 there were only 2 English Bishops.  English Cathedrals, Abbeys, and Castles were destroyed.  Despite the damage, the invasion helped the English economy.  For example, English wool became very popular on the continent; the destruction resulted in massive infrastructure spending.  Before the invasion there were about 60 fairs and markets, within 30 years there were 350.  Most probably spurred on by the increase in the standard of living from 1.70 pounds to 3.30 pounds.  Slaves were freed and slavery outlawed.  The population grew from 2.25 million in 1100 to 6 million in 1300.
The conquest was more brutal and longer lasting in the North.  The people in the North did not consider themselves British.  They were more aligned with the Scots and Scandinavians.  They continued to resist the Normans and suffered for it.  In 1086 the South was 4 times as wealthy as the North and York had lost half its population.  Although the North had never been economically affluent its wealth suffered even more after the invasion and they never recovered.
Here, the writer leaps to the present day to connect the voting for Brexit with the counties of the North that suffered during the Norman Invasion.  He mentions that the surnames of students at Oxbridge Universities are today Norman in origin.
The real thrust of the piece is the fact that England needs the continent.  Brentry brings wealth, political stability, and order.  While Brexit is the exact opposite.
I would add: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." {George Santayana].

From the Bayeux Tapestry

In another article in The Economist: "City of the Century" I was reminded of another lesson from history.
Tomorrow, then.