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Stephen (1092 or 1096 – 25 October 1154), often referred to as Stephen of Blois, was King of England from 22 December 1135 to his death in 1154. He was Count of Boulogne jure uxoris from 1125 until 1147 and Duke of Normandy from 1135 until 1144.
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Apr 9, 2024 · Stephen (born c. 1097—died Oct. 25, 1154, Dover, Kent, Eng.) was the king of England from 1135 to 1154. He gained the throne by usurpation but failed to consolidate his power during the ensuing civil strife. Stephen was the third son of Stephen, Count of Blois and Chartres, and Adela, daughter of King William I the Conqueror.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Early Life
- Succession
- Empress Matilda & Civil War
- Defending The Realm
- Death & Successor
Stephen was born c. 1097 CE in Blois, France, his parents being Stephen Henry, Count of Blois and Adela of Normandy, the daughter of William the Conqueror and sister of Henry I. Stephen was sent to his uncle Henry's court from the age of ten and, establishing himself as one of the king's favourites, he received riches and lands. He also had a lucky...
Despite two marriages, King Henry I of England left no legitimate male heir and so his nominated successor was his daughter Matilda (b. 1102 CE) whom the king had made his barons swear loyalty to (including Stephen). Matilda is often called Empress Matilda after her marriage in 1114 CE to Holy Roman Emperor Henry V (r. 1111-1125 CE). Following the ...
Empress Matilda's husband Count Geoffrey was as ambitious as his wife to control England, and another even more important ally in Matilda's cause was Robert Fitzroy, Earl of Gloucester, an illegitimate son of Henry I. Initially, Robert Fitzroy had supported Stephen but he subsequently switched to Matilda's side in the civil war, although a prematur...
While the country was ripped apart by the divided barons, the king was also threatened by the actions of his neighbours. The first to nibble away at Stephen's territory was the Count of Anjou, husband of Empress Matilda. He invaded Normandy in 1137 CE and despite Stephen's expedition there, the local barons proved less than willing to fight yet ano...
In 1153 CE, King Stephen was something of a broken man following the death of his wife and son Eustace (b. 1127 CE) that year. He now faced Henry's third invasion and hoped for a decisive pitched battle, but in the event, neither side's soldiers or leaders were very keen on a fight. Consequently, on 6 November, Stephen signed with Henry the Treaty ...
- Mark Cartwright
Learn about Stephen, who seized the English throne from Matilda in 1135, but faced rebellion and civil strife. Find out how he lost the support of the church, the nobles and his son, and how he was succeeded by Henry II.
12 min read. In 1135 Henry I ’s death sparked off a succession crisis leading to a period known as The Anarchy which came to a head during the reign of Stephen of Blois. Stephen was crowned King of England on the 22nd December 1135, usurping his cousin and royal contender to the throne, Empress Matilda.
Learn about Stephen, the third son of Count Stephen of Blois and a grandson of William the Conqueror, who ruled England from 1135 to 1154. Find out how he became king, what challenges he faced, and how he was defeated by his cousin Matilda and her son Henry.
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.
