Anarchy, The: The Darkest Days of Medieval England

- Blurb -

A period of England's history when `Christ and his saints slept,' a time when Fortune changed sides frequently and dramatically, and with a cast of vivid characters. This became known as 'the Cousins' War' for the crown of England. The causes of the conflict will be examined; the loss of the heir of King Henry I in the White Ship and the king's efforts to secure the succession for his remaining child. The backgrounds of both major players: Stephen, nephew to the mighty Henry, showered with favours at court with ideas above his station: and Matilda, daughter of the king, sent away aged 8 to marry the Holy Roman Emperor, widowed, then forced into a hated second marriage. The book will chart the conflict that followed Stephen's seizure of the crown from the woman to whom it had been promised. Lasting some eighteen years, and involving not only most of England but Scotland and Normandy besides, the story will cover all the twists and turns of this `cousins' war', as first one side then the other seemed within touching distance of total victory. Nor will the supporting characters be overlooked: Henry of Blois, brother of Stephen, bishop of Winchester, and largely orchestrator of the church's response to the conflict: Robert of Gloucester, illegitimate son of Henry I and chief supporter of his half-sister: Geoffrey of Anjou, husband of Matilda, and determined to secure Normandy (traditional enemy of Anjou) for himself. All these and many more played a part in the conflict with a wide range of personal motives. Throughout the book use will be made of the many contemporary sources available, showing how events were viewed at the time. This is a comprehensive and highly readable account of this most violent of episodes in England's history.