Empress Matilda

Empress Matilda, also known as Empress Maude, was a claimant to the English throne during the Anarchy, a civil war. Born to King Henry I of England and Matilda of Scotland, she married Henry V, becoming Holy Roman Empress. Matilda’s reign as empress lasted from 1114 until Henry V’s death in 1125. She then married Geoffrey of Anjou, aligning with her father’s interests in France. Her brother William Adelin’s death led to a succession crisis, and Henry I named Matilda his heir, an unpopular decision among the Anglo-Norman barons.

After Henry I’s death, Matilda’s cousin Stephen seized the throne with the Church’s support, leading to conflict. Matilda invaded England in 1139 with support from her half-brother Robert of Gloucester and uncle David I of Scotland. She captured Stephen in 1141 but failed to secure the English crown. The conflict resulted in a stalemate, with Matilda controlling parts of England. She returned to Normandy in 1148, leaving her son Henry to continue the campaign. Henry II eventually succeeded Stephen, forming the Angevin Empire. Matilda spent her later years in Normandy, advising Henry II and mediating during the Becket controversy.