Editor says, what if the "moment when Englishness came of age" (to quote Michael Livingston) had been ruined? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the August 2012 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.

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Editor says, in reality Æthelstan won but died two years later at the age of only forty. Olaf III Guthfrithsson then invaded the Danelaw. But the true historic significance of the battle (despite the short-term reversals) is considered to be "moment when Englishness came of age".

Mike McIlvain commented on 2012-11-21 06:36:15 ~ More Celtic in the language could have changed things with Spain as English could have included a few more of the basics of what became Spanish. We could say tu for you, and on from there. But, it is funny how some of the very old rivalries slightly resemble Premier League rivalries.

Eric Oppen commented on 2012-11-21 16:15:58 ~ This would have given the Normans, and subsequent would-be invaders, a much easier time---kind of like how Irish disunity helped the English conquer the place.

Jeff Provine commented on 2012-11-27 18:35:24 ~ Normandy might be the center of William's rule rather than London. The isles would be targets for imperialism from the continent.