The Anarchy

Quick Facts: Who was The Anarchy?

Subject:

The Anarchy

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A devastating civil war in England and Normandy spanning from 1138 to 1153.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Anarchy was a civil war in England and Normandy between 1138 and 1153 which resulted in a widespread breakdown in law and order. The conflict was a war of succession precipitated by the accidental death of William Adelin—the only legitimate son of King Henry I—who drowned in the White Ship disaster of 1120. Henry then sought to leave the English throne to his daughter, Empress Matilda, but was only partially successful in convincing the nobility to support her. On Henry's death in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the throne with the help of his brother Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester. King Stephen's early reign saw fierce fighting with disloyal English barons, rebellious Welsh leaders, and Scottish invaders.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Following a major rebellion in the southwest of England, Matilda invaded in 1139 with the help of her half-brother Robert of Gloucester. In the initial years of civil war, neither side achieved a decisive advantage; Matilda came to control southwest England and much of the Thames Valley, while Stephen remained in control of the southeast. Barons who refused to support either side held much of the country. Castles were easily defended in this period, so the fighting was mostly attrition warfare: sieges, raiding and skirmishing. Armies mainly consisted of knights and infantry, many of them mercenaries.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1141 Stephen was captured following the Battle of Lincoln, causing a collapse in his authority over most of the country. When Matilda attempted to be crowned queen, she was forced out of London by hostile crowds; shortly afterwards, Robert of Gloucester was captured by Stephen's wife, Matilda of Boulogne, at the rout of Winchester. The two sides agreed to exchange the captives Stephen and Robert. Stephen then almost captured Matilda in 1142 during the Siege of Oxford, but she escaped from Oxford Castle across the frozen Thames to safety. The war continued for another 11 years.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1120: 1120 Milestone — The conflict was a war of succession precipitated by the accidental death of William Adelin—the only legitimate son of King Henry I—who drowned in the White Ship disaster of 1120.
2. 1135: 1135 Milestone — On Henry's death in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the throne with the help of his brother Henry of Blois, bishop of Winchester.
3. 1138: 1138 Milestone — The Anarchy was a civil war in England and Normandy between 1138 and 1153 which resulted in a widespread breakdown in law and order.
4. 1139: 1139 Milestone — Following a major rebellion in the southwest of England, Matilda invaded in 1139 with the help of her half-brother Robert of Gloucester.
5. 1141: 1141 Milestone — In 1141 Stephen was captured following the Battle of Lincoln, causing a collapse in his authority over most of the country.
6. 1142: 1142 Milestone — Stephen then almost captured Matilda in 1142 during the Siege of Oxford, but she escaped from Oxford Castle across the frozen Thames to safety.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: The Anarchy

True or False: “The Anarchy was solely caused by the dispute over land division between male heirs.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While succession was key, the conflict was also fueled by unstable Anglo-Norman successions and disputes over female inheritance rights.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bolesław III Wrymouth — Historical peer (Died in 1138) (1138): Duke of Poland, known as Bolesław III Wrymouth, ruled during a period of intense political struggle.
• Hōjō Tokimasa — Historical peer (Born in 1138) (1138): First Shikken of the Kamakura Shogunate and head of the powerful Hōjō clan.
• Anna Komnene — Historical peer (Died in 1153) (1153): Byzantine princess and celebrated historian, author of the Alexiad.
• Bernard of Clairvaux — Historical peer (Died in 1153) (1153): Burgundian saint, mystic, and key reformer of the Cistercian Order.
• Gerard Sasso — Historical peer (Died in 1120) (1120): Founder of the Knights Hospitaller, a pivotal figure in medieval military and charitable orders.
• Louis VII of France — Historical peer (Born in 1120) (1120): King of France (1137–1180), known for his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine and the Second Crusade.
• Chrétien de Troyes — Historical peer (Born in 1135) (1135): Master of Arthurian romance, pivotal figure in medieval French literature.
• Emperor Huizong of Song — Historical peer (Died in 1135) (1135): Eighth Emperor of the Song Dynasty, known for cultural patronage and eventual abdication.
• Avempace — Historical peer (Died in 1139) (1139): Polymath of Islamic Golden Age, influential in philosophy, science, and arts.
• Emperor Konoe — Historical peer (Born in 1139) (1139): The 76th Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1142 to 1155.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Anarchy