Stephen

Tyerman, C, Who’s Who in Early Medieval England, (Shepheard-Walwyn, 1996), pp. 120-126

·         Unsuccessful King

·         Events were out of control and he was not good at controlling them

·         This may not have been Stephen’s fault – events were worse for him then they were for other monarchs which have been said to be more ‘effective’

·         Faced with Civil War

·         Faced with the same challenges as other new kings in this period – ‘how to secure his position and to manage his kingdoms and magnates’ – pg. 122

·         He was not able to succeed in this – shows that he was not equipped in order to carry out this duties

·         Grandson of William the Conqueror

·         Educated by Henry I

·         One of the richest magnates in the realm in 1130 – married and heiress of Boulogne and was given many titles and land by his uncle Henry I

·         Within 3 weeks of Henry’s death, he had support in London

·         Crowned – 22 December 1135

·         Quickness can be described as similar to Henry I’s quickness at gaining power

·         Lacked the strength to and resources to quell his opponents

·         Captured at the Battle of Lincoln and taken to Bristol where he was kept prisoner

·         Succession argued by Matilda – She had a stronger claim

·         Lost Normandy to Geoffrey of Anjou – strained relations between him and those who were loyal

·         Relationship with the Church became sour

·         Lacked ruthlessness

·         Deemed to be ‘rather colourless, unimpressive in an age when personal impressions counted for much’ – even had to have a spokesman on the battle field – he was not able to speak very loudly.