Stephen Biography and Timeline

Birth of Stephen

Birth of Stephen, 3rd son of Stephen the Count of Blois & Chartres & Adela

Role range: 1135-1154

Marriage

Marries Matilda, only daughter & heiress of Eustace III & Mary of Scotland

Role range: 1135-1154

Birth of his 1st son who dies

Birth of his 1st son who dies in 1135

Role range: 1135-1154

Furness Abbey

Founds Furness Abbey on the outskirts of Barrow- in-Furness

Role range: 1135-1154

Birth of 2nd son

Has a 2nd son, the future Count of Boulogne-sur-Mer

Role range: 1135-1154

Birth of 3rd son

Has a 3rd son, the future Count of Boulogne-sur-Mer

Role range: 1135-1154

Accession

Supported by the Barons who are opposed to a woman taking the throne

Role range: 1135-1154

Death of Stephen

Death of Henry I, rides to Winchester to take control of the Treasury

Role range: 1135-1154

Coronation

Crowned King of England, on St Stephens Day

Role range: 1135-1154

Succession

The oath of allegiance sworn to support Matilda is claimed to be invalid

Role range: 1135-1154

Death of Stephen

Stephens 1st born son dies

Role range: 1135-1154

Succession

The barons ignore Henry Is wishes, pass ove Matilda & offer Stephen the crown. Roger of Salisbury supported Stephens bid to be King instead of Matilda

Role range: 1135-1154

Succession

Supported for the succession by his brother Henry Bishop of Winchester. Falsely claims his uncle Henry I named him his successor on his deathbed

Role range: 1135-1154

Stephen Takes Crown After Henry

Stephen took the English throne following Henry I's death, despite the claims of Henry's daughter Matilda.

Succession

The Pope confirms Stephens claim to the English throne

Role range: 1135-1154

Treaty of Durham

David I is granted Carlisle and Doncaster, with Carlisle went much of Cumberland and the honour of Lancaster

Role range: 1135-1154

Coronation

Stephens wife, Matilda, was crowned Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey

Role range: 1135-1154

Birth of second daughter

Birth of Second daughter, the future Countess of Boulogne-sur-Mer

Role range: 1135-1154

Oath

The Barons swear an oath to Stephen

Role range: 1135-1154

Siege of Rougemont

Stephen lays siege to Baldwin de Redvers at Rougemont Castle

Role range: 1135-1154

Battle of Northallerton

The Battle of Northallerton, better known as the Battle of the Standard, is the first major engagement between English and Scots since the Norman Conquest. Stephen defeates the Scots under David I near Northallerton

Role range: 1135-1154

Invasion of England

David I invades England in support of Matilda against Stephen

Role range: 1135-1154

Capture of Northumberland

David I captures Northumberland

Role range: 1135-1154

Invasion of Northumberland

David I captures Northumberland

Role range: 1135-1154

Mobilization

Gloucesters vassals fortify their castles in rebellion to the King. Gloucester supports his half sister Matilda

Role range: 1135-1154

Siege of Corfe Castle

Stephen lays siege to Baldwin de Redvers at Corfe castle

Role range: 1135-1154

Rule of Cumberland

Stephen cedes Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland to David

Role range: 1135-1154

Rule of Northumberland

Stephen cedes Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland to David

Role range: 1135-1154

Rule of Westmoreland

Stephen cedes Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland to David

Role range: 1135-1154

Treaty of Durham

Stephen cedes Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmoreland to David. Signed between Stephen & David I, Stephen makes peace

Role range: 1135-1154

Arrest of Stephen

Divides the Bishops which encourages Matilda

Role range: 1135-1154

Invasion of England

Matilda and her forces land at Arundel

Role range: 1135-1154

Invasion of England

Matilda joins her half-brother, Robert of Gloucester, in Bristol

Role range: 1135-1154

Battle of Lincoln

Arrives outside Lincoln to recapture it from Ranulf, Earl of Chester

Role range: 1135-1154

Arrest of Stephen

Arrested by Matilda & held at Bristol

Role range: 1135-1154

Battle of Lincoln

Stephen is captured in battle by William de Cahaignes. Matilda, supported by Ranulf, defeats Stephen & is declared "Lady of England", Queen. A force of Matildas supporters led by Robert of Gloucester & Ranulf, Earl of Chester

Role range: 1135-1154

Siege of Lincoln Castle

Captured at the Battle of Lincoln while besieging Lincoln Castle

Role range: 1135-1154

Restoration

Restored to the throne

Role range: 1135-1154

Arrest of Stephen

Released in exchange for Gloucester, Matildas half brother & most valued ally

Role range: 1135-1154

Coronation

Again crowned King of England in Canterbury Cathedral by Archbishop Theobald

Role range: 1135-1154