Discover the story of Empress Matilda, who in a world ruled by men, battled to assert her claim to the English throne in the 12th century. | British Library

England almost had its first reigning queen. Empress Matilda was the only legitimate daughter of King Henry I of England and was publicly named his heir after the death of his son. When Henry died in 1135, Matilda’s claim was challenged by her cousin Stephen of Blois, who took the throne instead. Matilda did not accept this quietly. She fought to assert her right, plunging England into a prolonged civil war known as The Anarchy. For a brief period, she was recognized as ruler and styled “Lady of

On December 1, 1135, England plunged into one of its darkest chapters. King Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, died without a male heir. His only son, William Adelin, had drowned years earlier in the White Ship disaster. Henry’s chosen successor was his daughter, Empress Matilda, widow of the Holy Roman Emperor. But in a world where a woman’s right to rule was bitterly contested, Matilda’s claim was challenged. Her cousin, Stephen of Blois, acted quickly—seizing the throne and rallying power