The Independent Creosotian Republic

The Independent Creosotian Republic was a country which existed in the South Eastern United Kingdom from 1886-1897, formed out of a political "dare" by MP and businessman J.E. Creosote. During this time it established a separate political and legal system under President Creosote, grew its industrial economy and fought the Jeremboah Wars against France. It also governed and expanded the pre-established Creostian Empire during its existence, which held considerable dominions in Africa and the Middle East. It occupied what are today the counties of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex and Berkshire. It ended amid political and economic collapse after losing the Jeremboah Wars.

The Republic largely acted as a retroistic and war-happy splinter from Great Britain, galvanising around a medieval English dislike of France. As a result it attracted many Conservatives and ex-military personnel, but it also featured highly progressive policies such as a women's vote and improving education in disadvantaged areas. Britain tolerated the project as a 'blip', and many were quietly pleased by the early military successes against France.

The British government became increasingly hostile to the republic in the early 1890s - as its unorthodox imperial expansions became a concern - and outright opposed it by 1897, as France prepared to invade Dover. The government demanded President Creosote to surrender to France, threatening to invade the Republic if he refused. After considering attacking London, Creosote realized it was hopeless and surrendered. War reparations to France couldn't be met had to come largely out of President Creosote's personal wealth, though they were wiped when the Republic was dissovled.

The ICR has been described as "one of the most bizarre state projects embarked on in history", and how it actually came to formation and function autonomously from the United Kingdom before being re-absorbed is the subject of continued study by experts in law.