Empress Matilda

Matilda, also known as Empress Maud, was born around 7 February 1102 to King Henry I of England and Matilda of Scotland. She was the only daughter and eldest child to survive to adulthood. As a child, she was sent to Germany to marry Henry V, the future Holy Roman Emperor.

In 1110, Matilda became the Holy Roman Empress and acted as the imperial regent in Italy. Her marriage to Henry V did not produce any children, and upon his death in 1125, the imperial crown passed to Lothair of Supplinburg. Matilda returned to Normandy at her father's request and later married Geoffrey of Anjou.

Following the death of her brother William Adelin in the White Ship disaster of 1120, Matilda became her father's chosen heir. However, upon Henry I's death in 1135, her cousin Stephen of Blois seized the English throne, leading to a civil war known as the Anarchy.

In 1139, Matilda invaded England with the support of her half-brother Robert of Gloucester and her uncle David I of Scotland. Her forces captured Stephen in 1141, but she was unable to secure her coronation due to opposition in London. She was eventually forced to exchange Stephen for Robert after his capture.

Matilda's campaign in England ended in 1148 when she returned to Normandy, leaving her son Henry to continue the struggle. Her son was later recognized as Stephen's heir, becoming King Henry II in 1154. Matilda spent her later years managing the administration of Normandy.

Matilda was involved in political and religious matters, advising her son and mediating during the Becket controversy. She was known for her piety and founded several Cistercian monasteries.

Matilda died on 10 September 1167 in Rouen at the age of 65 and was buried at Bec Abbey, later reinterred at Rouen Cathedral. Her son Henry II succeeded Stephen as King of England.