Thamesholm (country)

Thamesholm also called Thamesholm and Wallborough or Greater Thamesholm, is a country in the English Channel known for frequent armed conflict and changes of government, human rights abuses and rampant social division.

the Kingdom of Greater Thamesholm
Status	Failed state
Capital	West Thames
Largest city	Greater Wallborough
Recognised national languages	English, French
Religion (2022)CIA World Factbook	50.10% Christian 30.25% non-religious 8.73% Muslim 2.82% Jewish 8.80% other
Demonym(s)	Thamesholm
Government	Absolute monarchy
• Recognised monarch in exile	John III
• Self-appointed Lord—President of the Council of State	Hereward the Woke

History

The first records date to 58 BCE, they describe warring Celtic tribes the Roman authors saw as primitive.

The English (Angles) arrived in 425 CE and established Wallburh as a maritime burh (Fortified military town) along with a series of small settlements. It was Christianised from either 578 CE (date of the first church being built) or 600 CE (the coronation of the first Christian king of Thamesholm).

A personal union between the Kingdoms of Thamesholm and Wallborough took place in 650 CE (marriage of the King of Wallburh and King of Magna Thamesholm); conquest by Northumbria in 754 CE; and absorption by the Wessex-ruled Kingdom of England in 954 CE (when it absorbed Northumbria). A Norman army led by Alan de Branleur finally secured control of Thamesholm in 1070, after years of rebellion against the new government.

It became separate from Kingdom of England in 1087 when William the Conqueror died and, owing to Thamesholm's uniquely equal succession, it passed to his eldest daughter Adeliza. In 1170, King John “The Worst” was crowned following the death of his brother Guy. In 1209 King John was forced to sign the Libertas Carta guaranteeing the rights of noblemen, their wives and children (including if widowed and orphan), the church and the nascent Wallborough bourgeoisie. In 1289, Representatives of burghers were allowed to sit in Parlement for the first time, representatives of yeoman would be allowed to sit in 1309.

A standing was Navy established in 1540 and in 1560, Thamesholm and Wallborough broke from the Catholic Church in because Harold the Reformer wanted to annul the marriage of his infertile wife. King Harold was declared head of the Church based on quotes from the Old Testament and St.Paul’s epistles. The marriage was annulled. The Articles of the Church in 1592 kept the sacrament of confession, infant baptism and episcopal church governance but allowed married priests and allowed the laity to keep concubines. It also says that Christians may “serve in the profession of arms at the behest of lawful Christian sovereigns” and that “the King or his judges may punish co-religionists with death for severe and grave offences.” (Basically keeping support for the death penalty, war and professional soldiering)

Monasteries and convents were dissolved in 1594, monasticism would only be reintroduced in the 19th century and even then only for nuns (not monks).

In 1650, heresy laws were abolished. Theoretical freedom of religion therefore began at this point. (Though then, as at most times subsequently, religious groups that threatened the state were charged with other crimes).

In 1819, nuns were reintroduced in the Church of Thamesholm. In 1821, the Thamesholm Constabulary was established for West Thames and it’s environs. Wallborough City Police was established a week later. Constables were required to take a one year course (but cadets for the course are paid small amounts and provided with food and lodgings) and issued firearms. In 1826, [i have no idea what word was meant to be here] Metropolitan Constabulary was established for the area now referred to as Greater Wallborough. Unlike the other forces, they are prohibited from carrying firearms until 1912 (due to concerns about a military occupying force under another name). In 1878, all police forces outside of the City of Wallborough merged into the Thamesholm Constabulary, unarmed apart from specialist units. This police force also covered areas that previously didn’t have one.

In 1914 Thamesholm and Wallborough took part in The First World War. In 1919, this war ceased. Votes were given to all men who fought (or served in reserved occupations) and their male descendants as well as existing voters.

1920, the vote was given to women who were 1. Landowners 2. Married to landowners and/or 3. Graduates of universities. In 1921, nuns were ex officio granted the vote. In 1929, women were given the vote on the same terms as men.

In 1940, Thamesholm and Wallborough declared war on the Third Reich following their invasion of Thamesholm and Wallborough’s neighbours such as France and Belgium. This marked their participation in World War Two.

Thamesholm and Wallborough a number of laws were passed from 1999-2010 by both Anton Bleare of the Social Democratic Labour Party and John Catchpole II of the Classical Liberal Party (later Classical Liberal and Gender Equality Party) that restricted dissent.

Later, under Marcus Avery, a number of assassinations and the rollback of legal process led to a 2021 coup attempt by far-right military officers and then a civil war which ended in the establishment of communism.

The year 2022 had a communist government, a Christian monarchy and a monarchy centred around [[ Hereward the Woke]].

Geography

Thamesholm is located in the English Channel North-West of Brittany but South West of Westmonkwick.

Politics

Despite rival claims from the House of Lee-Ashfield enjoying international support, Thamesholm is ruled by Hereward the Woke as a dictator.

Human rights

Freedom of the speech is widely considered “non-existent”, freedom of religion is non-existent for Catholics and highly restricted for Muslims and Jews, the elites are being purged and there is little political freedom.

Structure of government

The government is lead by the Lord-President Hereward, it also has a Senate (composed of bishops of the Church of Thamesholm and Wallborough ex office as well as senators elected by people with postgraduate degrees) and Popular Chamber (elected by anyone over 18)

Military

The de facto government of Thamesholm and the House of Lee-Ashfield both have armies but neither has a Navy. The House of Lee-Ashfield has no Air Force as of the 7th of March 2022.

Culture

In terms of food, art and lifestyle, the elites mostly follow French influence whilst most people including professionals from other groups, tend to follow a more English influence. Food and art from various non-western countries is available.