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I'm unsure whether it is relevant, but in the late 14th/early 15th Century Cheshire was the heartland of the longbow. The battle of Shrewsbury arguably foreshadowed 20th century mechanised warfare, in that it was the first major battle at which both sides had long-bows (unlike the later Azincourt). The resulting slaughter was extreme. I would argue that at that period, he who controlled Cheshire controlled the battlefield: the longbow required intense training and an unusual upper body strength, and the rest of England (whatever Nottingham may claim!) was not so fertile a recruiting source for these requirements. Consequently, I do wonder if the need for direct control over the area played some part in impeding elements of local rule. Of course, being on the edge of recently-conquered Wales probably did not incline London towards delegating power.

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