1.8.2

The Anarchy: A Civil War for the Crown

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The Anarchy: A Civil War for the Crown

The Anarchy (1135-1153 AD) was a civil war over the English throne between Matilda and Stephen.

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Henry I's heir

  • Henry I’s only legitimate son was William Adelin.
    • William Adelin died in the White Ship disaster of 1120 AD.
  • After the death of Henry I’ son, his daughter, Matilda, was left as Henry I heir.
    • An heir is a person legally entitled to inherit a position, title, or property.
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The Anarchy

  • When Henry I died, his nephew, Stephen of Blois, claimed the throne.
  • Stephen of Blois's claim to the throne led to a period of civil war known as the Anarchy.
  • Matilda and Stephen’s struggle for the crown lasted from 1135 to 1153 AD.
    • Both sides had supporters, and the country was torn apart by battles and plots.
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Support of the barons

  • Both Matilda and Stephen sought the support of powerful barons.
    • Barons switched sides based on their interests and opportunities.
    • Barons switching sides led to shifting alliances and battles.
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Matilda's escape in 1142 AD

  • One notable event was Matilda’s dramatic escape from Oxford Castle in 1142 AD.
  • Matilda fled across the frozen River Thames dressed in white to avoid capture by Stephen’s forces.
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Treaty of Winchester

  • The Anarchy civil war concluded with the Treaty of Winchester.
    • The Treaty of Winchester happened in 1153 AD.
  • During the Treaty of Winchester Stephen agreed that Matilda’s son Henry would be the heir to the throne.
    • Matilda had to accept Stephen as King.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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