Stephen de Blois, King of England
1135-1154, (1096-1154)
Born circa 1096 Blois
Died 25 October 1154 Dover
Married 1125
Matilda, Countess of Boulogne et de Lens, daughter of
Eustace III, Count de Boulogne et de Lens and Mary of
Scotland
Born circa 1105
Died 3 July 1152 Hedingham Castle, Essex
When Henry I resolved to settle the crown on his daughter Matilda, Stephen
with the other nobles swore fealty to her, but on Henry's death claimed
the crown. Attempting to strengthen his position with
the help of mercenaries, he made more enemies than friends by the favours
he heaped on some of the great lords. King David of Scotland invaded the
north on Matilda's behalf and retained Cumberland. The
first powerful enemy King Stephen made was Robert, Earl of Gloucester,
an illegitimate son of Henry I; next he quarrelled with the clergy. The
realm then fell into sheer anarchy; the barons plundered and
burned at their pleasure.
In 1139 Matilda landed at Arundel; in 1141 she took Stephen prisoner
at Lincoln and was acknowledged queen, but her harshness and greed soon
disgusted England. The men of London rose and she fled to
Winchester. In November 1141 Stephen regained his liberty in exchange
for Robert, Earl of Gloucester, and in 1142 saw him again in the ascendant.
In 1148 Matilda left England, but her son Henry (II) forced Stephen to
acknowledge him as his successor.
Source: Leo van de Pas |
