The Anarchy in England (Civil War Between Stephen and Matilda)

Timeline

1. 1135London · EnglandHenry I died in Normandy on 1 December 1135. Stephen, Count of Boulogne, crossed the Channel first, gaining the support of London's citizens and his brother Henry, Bishop of Winchester, and was crowned at Westminster on 22 December. Matilda was far away in Anjou and could not contest the throne immediately.
2. 1139–1140Arundel—Western England · EnglandIn 1138 King David I of Scotland invaded in the name of supporting his niece Matilda but was repelled at the Battle of the Standard. In September 1139 Matilda landed at Arundel, and barons such as Robert of Gloucester openly took sides, turning the succession dispute into a nationwide war.
3. 1141Lincoln · EnglandAt the Battle of Lincoln on 2 February 1141, Stephen was captured. Matilda entered London preparing for her coronation but was driven out in the summer due to financial demands and citizen hostility. Queen Matilda, Stephen's wife, counterattacked at Winchester, Robert of Gloucester was captured, the prisoners were exchanged, Stephen was restored, and the civil war fell into stalemate.
4. 1153Winchester · HampshireHenry, Matilda's son, re-entered England in 1153. After the death of Stephen's eldest son Eustace, the two sides faced off at Wallingford, and through the mediation of the Bishop of Winchester a treaty was reached: Stephen would keep the throne for life and Henry would be his heir. Stephen died the following year, Henry II acceded, and the Angevin Empire took shape.