• About This Blog

The aim of this blog is take the reader through the events of the reign of King Stephen, the last of the Norman Kings who ruled England 1135-1154 and the struggles between him, his barons, and the forces of Matilda, The Empress, who was the daughter of Henry I and his heir to the throne.

It begins with background information on the formation of the English kingdoms during the Saxon era, then moves onto its unification under the House of Wessex, and eventual invasion by William the Conqueror. A brief account of the life and times of Edward The Confessor and the Godwins, the last Saxon king Harold, William the Conqueror, and William II is given, followed by a look at Henry I in whose reign the seeds of The Anarchy were sown (including mini biographies).

Biographies of all the main players during the period of 'The Anarchy' beginning with Stephen, Matilda, and Robert of Gloucester among many others will be posted, and posts about daily life in Medieval England and information about Arms, Amour, and Anglo-Norman warfare will also be included to assist the reader to form a complete picture of this era and as a general interest.

The blog then gives a detailed account of the reign of King Stephen. Hopefully there will also be some fun posts such as a couple of quizzes for the reader to test out their knowledge, some trivia, and an image gallery of pics to view along the way!