This video provides a detailed account of the political and military events surrounding the Anarchy period in England in the 12th century, focusing on the power struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, as well as the...

This video narrates the turbulent period of the early 12th century in England, focusing on the power struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda for the throne. It highlights key events such as defections, battles, and alliances...

This video describes the tumultuous events following King Stephen's defeat by his cousin Matilda, as she attempts to claim the throne of England with the support of the Church and key allies. Matilda faces challenges from various...

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The Anarchy | 3 Minute History

Matilda returned to Normandy, where her husband had become the Duke and she the Duchess, taking the lands from Stephen. As Stephen grew older and support for him was waning, Henry of Anjou's claim to the throne grew stronger. Henry was...

Upon returning to England, her father King Henry I made the unprecedented act of naming Matilda as his heir. Some nobles initially announced their support for her, but, because she was a female, there were some duties Matilda wouldn't be...

Empress Matilda finally makes it back to England and soon begins gaining support in England, both from King Henry I's second wife and from nobles who were loyal to King Henry I. Meanwhile, Stephen's trusted advisor and younger brother,...

Although Stephen of Blois had a weak claim to the throne, he was able to make his way to England quickly and shore up support from Londoners and key members of nobility and the church, including the Archbishop of Centebury. Those who had...

With Stephen, King of England locked in chains in Bristol, Matilda once again gained support with important English nobles, including Stephen's brother, Bishop Henry. Henry helped her to win the support of the church and she was given...

The capture of Lincoln Castle and the subsequent battle for it were key events in the fight for the throne. The castle was taken by Ranulf de Gernon, Earl of Chester and son-in-law of Robert, Earl of Gloucester. King Stephen attempted to...

Stephen's time as King of England got off to a rough start, as rebels defied him and he lost control of French territories. Robert, Earl of Gloucester and half-brother to Matilda, renounced his allegiance to the King and gave his public...

Mathilda, Queen Consort, resorted to warfare in an effort to retain control of the throne for Stephen. Londoners had been promised trade routes and prosperity under King Stephen, so they did Mathilda's bidding. This led to Robert of...

King Henry I died suddenly. Because he and Matilda were estranged at the time, she was not at her father's bedside on his last days, which caused many to question her right to the throne. Her cousin, Stephen of Blois and Duke of...

Matilda began settling into her role as a ruler in Italy during her husband's absence. But she soon had to deal with the deaths of her mother, younger brother, husband, and the loss of her role as Queen of Germany. Because she never had...

Though Matilda and Heinrich received warm welcomes from some as they worked to gain control of Italy, not all, including Pope Pascat II in Rome, were quite as happy. This led to Matilda being crowned as Holy Roman Empress in symbol only.

England became divided between those who supported King Stephen, those who supported Empress Matilda, and those who wouldn't pick a side.

Matilda reluctantly married Geoffrey of Anjou. He was much younger than Matilda and their marriage got off to a rocky start. However, at King Henry I's urging, they eventually reconciled and went on to have three sons. Although the King...

Empress Matilda was the oldest child of King Henry I of England. While it was assumed that her younger brother William would inherit the throne, Matilda was well-educated during her childhood, learning many languages and focusing on...

Matilda was crowned as Queen of Germany at just eight years old. While Heinrich was in Italy, capturing and improsing leaders of the church, Matilda was sent away to learn the language and customs of those she was meant to rule. At the...

As Matilda begins her rule of England, many called found her to be arrogant and abrasive, qualities that would normally be seen as an asset in a male ruler. It was this apparent arrogance that led Bishop Henry to leave her court and plot...