Stephen, King of England

Stephen, often known as Stephen of Blois, was born in the County of Blois, France, as the fourth son of Stephen-Henry, Count of Blois, and Adela, daughter of William the Conqueror. His father died during the First Crusade, and Stephen was raised by his mother. He was placed in the court of his uncle, Henry I of England, where he gained prominence and was granted extensive lands.

In 1125, Stephen married Matilda of Boulogne, through whom he became Count of Boulogne. This marriage brought him additional estates in Kent and Boulogne, making them one of the wealthiest couples in England. Stephen narrowly escaped death in the White Ship disaster of 1120, which left the English throne's succession open to challenge.

When Henry I died in 1135, Stephen quickly crossed the English Channel to claim the throne, supported by his brother Henry, Bishop of Winchester. He argued that maintaining order in the kingdom was more important than his previous oath to support the claim of Henry I's daughter, the Empress Matilda. Stephen's early reign saw him successfully defend his rule against various attacks, including those from David I of Scotland and Welsh rebels.

In 1138, a rebellion led by the Empress's half-brother, Robert of Gloucester, threatened Stephen's rule. Captured at the battle of Lincoln in 1141, he was freed only after his wife and William of Ypres captured Robert at the Rout of Winchester. The conflict continued with neither side gaining a clear advantage, and Stephen focused on securing the succession for his son Eustace.

Stephen's attempts to have Eustace crowned were thwarted by Pope Eugene III, leading to tensions with the church. In 1153, the Empress's son, Henry, invaded England and built alliances with powerful barons. The two sides met at Wallingford, where a peace negotiation began, accelerated by Eustace's sudden death.

Later in 1153, Stephen and Henry agreed to the Treaty of Winchester, recognizing Henry as Stephen's heir in exchange for peace. This agreement bypassed Stephen's second son, William. Stephen's reign ended with his death the following year, and he was succeeded by Henry II, the first of the Angevin kings.

Stephen died on 25 October 1154 from a stomach disease and was buried at Faversham Abbey alongside his wife Matilda and son Eustace. He was succeeded by Henry II, as per the Treaty of Winchester.