This is a series of articles dealing with the British nobility beginning with William the Conqueror in 1066 and ending with Henry VIII circa 1530. The information within has been compiled from multiple resources and a bibliography will follow the completed work. Beginning with the Normans, the Plantagenets, the Lancasters, the Yorks, and then finally, the Tudors.
Stephen I: the only son of William I to be born in England, he usurped the throne from Matilda and his reign was mostly marred by civil war; some loyal to him and some loyal to Matilda’s claim to the throne. Considered more studious than his brothers or his father, he displayed the ability to win over his Saxon nobles and subjects more readily. From 1135 to 1141, the Earl of Norfolk and Robert, Earl of Gloucester and David I, King of Scotland fight various battles. Matilda is crowned in 1141. However in 1145, henry defeats Matilda’s forces and she abandons the cause and leaves England. In 1153, Stephen and Matilda’s son, Henry, Count of Anjou, agrees to cease hostilities and under the terms of the Treaty of Westminster, Stephen remains King for life and then the crown passes to Henry.
Stephen dies the next year in 1154.