Stephen and Matilda fought themselves to a standstill, until the Empress tires of the struggle, and essentially leaves the stage around 1149. Many of her key supporters die – MilesRead More
matilda
33 Anarchy II – Matilda’s Big Chance
1141 was a turbulent year in England's history. The Civil war had reached an early deadlock, dramatically broken by the capture of the king at the Battle of Lincoln, andRead More
32 When Christ and his Saints Slept
‘…they said openly that christ and his saints slept’. This stunning phrase gives us an image of devastation hat led to the period being called ‘The Anarchy’. In this episode,Read More
31 Henry I – Normandy and the Succession
Henry was a Norman king like any other – Normandy was in his blood. For 30 years, he controlled the diplomatic game to keep Normandy in the Empire. The oneRead More
30 Henry I – Barons, Warfare and Wales
The fight with Robert gave Henry a great chance to replace the old conquest families with his own men, and particularly in the Welsh Marches. And this week we alsoRead More