Empress Matilda enters London (1141)

Name: Empress Matilda enters London (1141)
Start: 1141

Type Event Region Europe Time 1141

After the Battle of Lincoln in 1141, Empress Matilda entered London in June, recognized as 'Lady of the English', but her harsh taxation alienated ci…

Timeline

1141London · LondonAfter the great victory at Lincoln, Matilda traveled south from Oxford and entered London. Some bishops and magnates recognized her as 'Lady of the English', preparing politically for coronation; the Anjou party seemed to hold the nation's center.
1141London · LondonMatilda imposed harsh fiscal measures and refused the citizens' demands for concessions; combined with her arrogant manner, this aroused the resentment of Londoners and nobles, and her political support quickly collapsed.
1141London · LondonThreat of a citizens' uprising forced her to flee overnight, and the planned coronation miscarried. Matilda never again effectively controlled London; the Anjou party lost the capital's political symbol, and the war fell into stalemate.

Sources

Henry of Huntingdon, Historia Anglorum — Henry of Huntingdon
The Empress Matilda: Queen Consort, Queen Mother and Lady of the English — Marjorie Chibnall (1991)