What happens when a king names his daughter as heir, but a rival seizes the crown?

In this episode of Histories and Castles Deep Dive, explore the life of Empress Matilda and the brutal civil war known as The Anarchy (1135–1154). Following the death of Henry I, England descended into chaos as Matilda’s cousin, Stephen of Blois, claimed the throne, triggering nearly two decades of conflict.

Raised within the Holy Roman Empire, Matilda was highly educated, politically trained, and accustomed to authority. After the White Ship disaster removed the male heir, she became the centre of a succession crisis that would reshape English history.

Listeners will discover:

• The causes and consequences of The Anarchy civil war
• The po ...