Ferguson/Kirby Genealogy
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King Of England Stephen, Of Blois
Male Abt 1096 - 1154


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  • Prefix  King Of England 
    Suffix  Of Blois 
    Birth  Abt 1096  Blois, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender  Male 
    Died  25 Oct 1154  Dover Castle Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Person ID  I3204  My Genealogy
    Last Modified  6 Dec 2006 

    Father  Count Of Blois Stephen Henry 
    Mother  Adela,   b. Abt 1062, Normandy, France Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 8 Mar 1137, Marcigny-Sur, Loire, France Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Family ID  F1542  Group Sheet

    Family  Matilda, Of Boulogne 
    Last Modified  6 Dec 2006 
    Family ID  F1543  Group Sheet

  • 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.