The Probert Encyclopaedia of People

STEPHEN

Stephen was King of England from 1135 to 1154. He was born in 1097 and died in 1154. Stephen was the son of Stephen, Count of Blois and of Adela. On the death of Henry I in 1135, Stephen took advantage of his popularity to claim the throne against his cousin Matilda, and was quickly crowned. However, he became unpopular by his actions and alienated much of the population and had to bring in Flemish mercenaries. David of Scotland invaded the north on behalf of his niece Matilda but was beaten at Northallerton in 1138. In 1152 Matilda's son Henry came over to claim the throne and Stephen acknowledged his claim in exchange for peace.
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