Empress Matilda lands in England

Timeline

1. 1139Normandy coast · NormandyWhile her Anjou husband Geoffrey secured Normandy's rear, Matilda mustered an army in Normandy and crossed with Robert of Gloucester, Brian FitzCount, and about 140 knights. The fleet avoided English naval patrols, heading for the Sussex coast and choosing Arundel as the landing point—held by Adela, Countess of Arundel (half-sister of Matilda, wife of Stephen).
2. 1139Arundel Castle · SussexMatilda's fleet landed at Arundel and entered the castle. Stephen marched south to besiege it, but Adela sheltered Matilda out of sisterly affection. After several days of siege, the two sides negotiated by chivalric tradition: Stephen allowed Matilda and her followers safe passage to Bristol, held by Robert of Gloucester.
3. 1139–1140Bristol · EnglandAfter reaching Bristol, Matilda recruited an army and rallied supporters from the southwest. Robert of Gloucester openly declared for his sister, and nobles of western England and the Welsh Marches chose sides. The civil war escalated from border conflicts and baronial rebellions into a full-scale war between two claimants for England.