King Stephen

Also known as: Stephen / Stephen de Blois · Family: English · Role: king · First appears: A.D. 1129–1135

In 1135, Stephen de Blois, nephew of King Henry, came to London, where the people received him and William Curboil hallowed him king on midwinter day. Baldwin de Redvers held Exeter against him, but later agreed terms; David seized Wessington against him, and after messages passed between them they met and settled, though “it availed little.”

In 1137, Stephen seized Roger of Sarum, Alexander of Lincoln and Roger the chancellor, imprisoning them until they surrendered their castles. In 1140 he made Archbishop Theobald archbishop of Canterbury. That year Randolph, Earl of Chester and Robert, Earl of Gloucester captured Stephen and imprisoned him at Bristol; later Robert was captured, and the two were exchanged. Stephen and Randolph then swore not to betray one another at Stamford, but Stephen subsequently imprisoned him at Northampton and released him on condition that he surrender his castles and provide hostages.

In 1140 Stephen agreed with Henry, Earl of Anjou that Henry would become king after his death, and that they would take each other as father and son. In 1154 Stephen gave William de Walteville the abbacy of Peterborough. Stephen died that year and was buried at Faversham, where his wife and son were buried.