Stephen of Blois

Stephen of Blois was a king of England who ruled from 1135 to 1154. He became king after the death of his uncle, King Henry I. Stephen claimed the throne even though Henry I had asked the nobles to support his daughter, Empress Matilda, as the next ruler. A noble is a high-ranking person who owns land and supports the king. Stephen’s decision led to many years of fighting and confusion in England.

Stephen was born around 1092. He came from a powerful French family and was the son of Stephen-Henry, Count of Blois, and Adela, who was a daughter of William the Conqueror. A count is a noble who controls land and has authority over people living there. Stephen grew up in both England and France and became close to King Henry I. Henry trusted Stephen and gave him land and responsibilities. When Henry I died in 1135, Stephen quickly traveled to England and took the crown before Matilda could claim it.

At first, Stephen’s rule was accepted by many nobles. However, trouble soon began. In 1139, Empress Matilda came to England to fight for the throne she believed was hers. Many nobles supported her claim. A claim is a statement that someone has a right to something. The conflict between Stephen and Matilda lasted for many years and is known as the Anarchy. During this time, different groups controlled different parts of the kingdom, and battles happened often.

One major event took place in 1141 at the Battle of Lincoln. Stephen was captured by Matilda’s supporters and held prisoner. This allowed Matilda to take control for a short time. A prisoner is someone captured and kept by another group. She was even close to becoming queen, but she faced strong resistance in London and could not complete her coronation. A coronation is a ceremony where a ruler is crowned. Later that year, Matilda’s forces were defeated and Stephen was released.

After years of fighting, neither side could win completely. Many people in England suffered because of the long conflict. Finally, in 1153, Stephen and Matilda’s son Henry made an agreement known as the Treaty of Wallingford. A treaty is a formal agreement. Stephen would remain king, but Henry would become the next ruler. When Stephen died in 1154, Henry became King Henry II, beginning the Plantagenet line of kings.

Stephen of Blois is remembered as a king who ruled during a difficult and unsettled time. His reign shows how disputes about succession, or who should rule next, could lead to war. By studying Stephen’s life, students learn how leadership and loyalty shaped the history of medieval England.