Details for Stephen (1135-1154) and the Civil War (1138-1153)
Styled: |
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Alias: |
Stephen of Blois; styled Rex Anglorum, Dux Normannorum. | |
Born: |
Born in Blois aroun 1096. | |
Died: |
Died at Dover 25 Oct 1154; buried in Faversham Abbey. | |
Reign dates: |
1135 until 1154 |
Biography: |
After his uncle’s death Stephen quickly crossed to England to take the throne. In around 1138 Henry’s daughter Matilda, whom he had wanted to succeed him, arrived in England from Normandy and thus began a protracted civil war. Matilda’s son Henry Curtmantle (later Henry II) invaded England in 1149 and 1153, and after the death of Stephen’s son Eustace the treaty of Wallingford was signed which would see Henry crowned after the death of Stephen. The haphazard nature of the coinage of Stephen’s reign mirrors the political climate of the time. 4 regular types of coin were minted in his name (with a significant number of sub-varieties), along with over 30 local and irregular issues. In addition several barons minted coin under their own authority. |
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Family details: |
Son of Stephen, Count of Blois and Adela (daughter of William I), and nephew of Henry I; Married Matilda of Boulogne; One son named Eustace (died 1153). | |
Common coin types: |
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