STEPHEN
AND MATILDA (r. 1135-1154)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. Henry I's daughter Matilda invaded England in 1139 to
claim the throne, and the country was plunged into civil war. Although anarchy
never spread over the whole country, local feuds were pursued under the cover
of the civil war; the bond between the King and the nobles broke down, and senior
figures (including Stephen's brother Henry) freely changed allegiances as it suited
them.In 1141, Stephen was captured at Lincoln and his defeat seemed certain.
However, Matilda's arrogant behaviour antagonised even her own supporters (Angevins),
and Stephen was released in exchange for her captured ally and illegitimate half-brother,
Earl Robert of Gloucester. After the latter's death in 1147, Matilda retired to
Normandy (which her husband, the Count of Anjou had conquered) in 1148. Stephen's
throne was still disputed. Matilda's eldest son, Henry, who had been given Normandy
by his father in 1150 and who had married the heiress Eleanor Duchess of Aquitaine,
invaded England in 1149 and again in 1153. Stephen fought stubbornly against Henry;
Stephen even attempted to ensure his son Eustace's succession by having him crowned
in Stephen's own lifetime. The Church refused (having quarrelled with the king
some years previously); Eustace's death later in 1153 helped lead to a negotiated
peace (the treaty of Wallingford) under which Henry would inherit the throne after
Stephen's death.