I like the idea of there being a sort of Northern English resistance (mainly because I see it as an easy way to put Childermass et al into the story, hehe).

Also, it's fitting that Strange should be the one to bring magic back, because he is half Scottish! And, somewhere in the book, Scotland is described as a magical place (I need to check exactly where!).

I like the idea of the dismissal/denial of magic being related to the Raven king leaving england, mirroring what Mr Norell feels about it. Maybe people are so angry that he left, that they start a war over it?

The image just popped into my head of Keith going, 'you know, I always thought ravens were supposed to be the most magical birds—or, at least, in England they are,' and Ewen grinning and saying, 'oh, but it's different up here'.

I truly love this idea, and I guess that now you have to write the whole thing. How wonderful! ;)