Stephen I of Blois (dec 22, 1135 – oct 25, 1154)
Description:
nephew of Henry I (his mother was Henry's sister Adela of Normandy). When Henry died in 1135, the named heir daughter Matilda was fighting for her husband's lands in Anjou, and Stephen was able to cross the Channel from Normandy and seize the throne. Empress Matilda did not give up her claim, leading to the prolonged civil war known as the Anarchy between 1135 and 1153.Added to timeline:
Date:
dec 22, 1135
oct 25, 1154
~ 18 years