The very success of Northern England in the nineteenth century may have also precipitated a great deal of its subsequent failures. The rail, coal and manufactu

The very success of Northern England in the nineteenth century may have also precipitated a great deal of its subsequent failures. The rail, coal and manufacturing industries crowded out other forms of enterprise economically. The related union / capitalist disputes crowded out other political activity. Similarly the great agricultural “successes” of the Scottish Highlands in the 17th & 18th century crowded out everything else, leaving it something of a backwater ever since. Perhaps something similar will happen to London when the time of finance comes to an end? Then finally the South West will take its turn being the heart of the British economy.