In a sweeping narrative that takes us from the earliest times to the present day, the book shows that the people of the north have shaped Britain and the world in unexpected ways. At least six Roman emperors ruled from York. Northern writers, activists, artists and comedians are celebrated the world over. The north has exported some of sport's biggest names and defined the sound of generations, from the Beatles to Britpop. The book charts how the north-south divide has ebbed and flowed and explores the very real divisions between northerners. Finally, Brian Groom explores what northernness means today and the crucial role the north can play in Britain's future.