Stephen c.1097-1154
King of England

He was the grandson of William the Conqueror. In 1114 he was sent to the court of his uncle, Henry I of England, who gave him Mortain in Normandy, and he acquired Boulogne by his marriage to Matilda, daughter of the Count of Boulogne. Stephen swore fealty to Henry's heir, his daughter Matilda (or the Empress Maud), widow of the Emperor Henry V, but on Henry's death (1135), Stephen took the crown himself. Although personally courageous and decisive, he was too genial to provide strong leadership. King David I of Scotland supported Matilda in two invasions, while Stephen antagonized Robert, Earl of Gloucester, an illegitimate son of Henry I, and also Bishop Roger of Salisbury. The ensuing civil war brought devastation to parts of the country, though the extent of the anarchy has often been exaggerated. In 1141 Matilda imprisoned Stephen and was acknowledged queen; but her harshness and greed soon harmed her cause. London rose against her and in November 1141 Stephen regained his liberty and his crown. In 1148 Matilda finally left England, but her son Henry of Anjou (Henry II) succeeded Stephen, his own son, Eustace, having died (1153).

Bibliography: R H C Davis, King Stephen (1967)