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Prefix |
King Of England |
Suffix |
Of Blois |
Birth |
Abt 1096 |
Blois, France |
Gender |
Male |
Died |
25 Oct 1154 |
Dover Castle |
Person ID |
I3204 |
My Genealogy |
Last Modified |
6 Dec 2006 |
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Notes |
- Though charming, attractive and (when required) a
brave warrior, Stephen (reigned 1135-54) lacked
ruthlessness and failed to inspire loyalty. He could
neither control his friends nor subdue his enemies,
despite the support of his brother Henry of Blois
(Bishop of Winchester) and his able wife Matilda of
Boulogne. Henry I's daughter Matilda invaded
England in 1139 to claim the throne, and the
country was plunged into civil war. Although
anarchy never spread over the whole country, local
feuds were pursued under the cover of the civil
war; the bond between the King and the nobles
broke down, and senior figures (including Stephen's
brother Henry) freely changed allegiances as it
suited them.
In 1141, Stephen was captured at Lincoln and his
defeat seemed certain. However, Matilda's
arrogant behaviour antagonised even her own
supporters (Angevins), and Stephen was released
in exchange for her captured ally and illegitimate
half-brother earl Robert of Gloucester. After the
latter's death in 1147, Matilda retired to Normandy
(which her husband, the Count of Anjou had
conquered) in 1148. Stephen's throne was still
disputed. Matilda's eldest son Henry, who had
been given Normandy by his father in 1150 and
who had married the heiress Eleanor Duchess of
Aquitaine, invaded England in 1149 and again in
1153. Stephen fought stubbornly against Henry;
Stephen even attempted to ensure his son Eustace's
succession by having him crowned in Stephen's
lifetime. The Church refused (having quarrelled with
the king some years previously); Eustace's death
later in 1153 helped lead to a negotiated peace (the
treaty of Wallingford) under which Henry would
inherit the throne after Stephen's death.
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