Portal:Holy Roman Empire/Article of the month/July

Empress Matilda



Empress Matilda (1102 – 1167) was the claimant to the English throne during the Anarchy. The daughter of Henry I of England, she moved to Germany as a child and married the future Holy Roman Emperor, Henry V. She travelled to Italy in 1116, was controversially crowned in St. Peter's Basilica, and acted as the imperial regent in Italy. Matilda and Henry had no children, and when he died in 1125, the crown was claimed by Lothair II.

Meanwhile, Matilda's younger brother, William Adelin, died in 1120, leaving England facing a succession crisis. On Henry V's death, Matilda was recalled to Normandy by her father, who arranged for her to marry Geoffrey of Anjou to form an alliance to protect his southern borders. Henry I had no further children and nominated Matilda as his heir, but this was unpopular in the Anglo-Norman court. Henry died in 1135 but Matilda and Geoffrey were opposed by the Norman barons and unable to pursue their claims. The throne was taken by Stephen of Blois.

In 1139, Matilda crossed to England to seize the kingdom, supported by Robert of Gloucester and her uncle, King David of Scotland, while Geoffrey conquered Normandy. Matilda's forces captured Stephen in 1141, but her attempt to be crowned at Westminster collapsed in the face of bitter opposition from the London crowds. As a result, Matilda was never formally declared Queen of England, but was instead titled Lady of the English. Robert was captured in 1141, and Matilda agreed to exchange him for Stephen. Matilda was trapped in Oxford Castle that winter, and had to escape at night to avoid capture. The war degenerated into a stalemate.

Matilda returned to Normandy in 1148, leaving her eldest son to continue; he eventually succeeded as Henry II in 1154. She settled near Rouen and concerned herself with the administration of Normandy. She worked extensively with the Church, founding Cistercian monasteries, and was known for her piety. She was buried at Bec Abbey in 1167.

more...