The Anarchy

The Anarchy: Civil War, Chaos, and a Queen Who Would Be King

The Anarchy (1135–1153) was one of the most turbulent and lawless periods in English medieval history — a bitter civil war fought between Empress Matilda and King Stephen for control of the English throne.

What began as a succession crisis after the death of King Henry I spiralled into nearly two decades of sieges, shifting loyalties, broken oaths, and widespread unrest. Castles changed hands, towns were burned, and for many, “Christ and His saints slept.”

In this section of Histories & Castles, we delve into the key figures, battles, and betrayals that defined The Anarchy. From the iron will of Matilda to the strategic blunders of Stephen, discover how this violent struggle reshaped the kingdom — and paved the way for the rise of the Plantagenets.


Inside This Category:

  • The claim of Empress Matilda

  • Major battles, sieges, and castle takeovers

  • The role of castles in the conflict

  • Political intrigue and the Treaty of Wallingford

  • How The Anarchy impacted ordinary people


Explore the chaos, courage, and consequence of a forgotten civil war — and meet the woman who came within a sword’s length of becoming England’s first queen regnant.

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