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Episode 295: King Stephen, Empress Matilda, and the Anarchy

Half-Arsed History

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The Struggle for the English Throne

This chapter explores the tumultuous reign of Henry I and the ensuing succession crisis after his son’s tragic death in the White Ship Disaster. It highlights the challenges faced by his daughter Matilda, who navigates a male-dominated political landscape against Stephen of Blois amid rising tensions that lead to civil war. The narrative paints a vivid picture of the chaotic period known as the Anarchy, marked by strategic maneuvers, battles, and temporary resolutions in the fight for the English throne.

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