Stephen of Blois

Stephen of Blois was a King of England who reigned from 1135 to 1154. He was the grandson of William the Conqueror and came to power following the death of King Henry I, who left no male heir. His reign was marked by civil war known as the Anarchy, a struggle for power between Stephen and his cousin, Empress Matilda. The conflict led to widespread disorder and weakened royal authority. Stephen's rule ultimately ended with the accession of Henry II, Matilda's son, establishing the Plantagenet dynasty and bringing significant changes to the English monarchy and governance.