Women of the Anarchy

The story of the Anarchy from the unique perspective of the two women at the center of the struggle for the crown.

In 1135 Stephen of Blois usurped the throne, stealing it from his cousin, Empress Matilda (Maud), and sparking a 19-year civil war that would become known as The Anarchy, one of the bloodiest periods in English history.

On the one side is Empress Matilda, or Maud. The sole surviving legitimate child of Henry I, she is fighting for her birthright and that of her children. On the other side is her cousin, Queen Matilda, supporting her husband, King Stephen, and fighting to see her own son inherit the English crown. Both women are granddaughters of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland and descendants of Alfred the Great of Wessex.

Empress Matilda was the first woman to claim the throne of England in her own right, but did not gain the support of the barons. When Queen Matilda’s husband King Stephen was captured by the Empress’s forces, it was down to her to keep the fight going, and to negotiate for her husband’s release.

Women of the Anarchy demonstrates how these women, unable to wield a sword, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. It show how their strengths, weaknesses, and personal ambitions swung the fortunes of war one way - and then the other.

Sharon Bennett Connolly has been fascinated by history for over thirty years. She has a BA Honors degree in History, Business and Law and has worked as a tour guide at historical sites. Her blog, History ... the Interesting Bits, concentrates on (but is not confined to) the medieval period and the lesser-known people and events of history. She also writes for The Review Blog. She is the author of four titles, including Heroines of the Medieval World and The Silk and the Sword.