Empress Matilda: civil war in medieval England

10 snips

Aug 8, 2025

Guest

Cariad Lloyd

Guest

Gabrielle Storey

Join historian Dr. Gabrielle Storey, an expert in medieval monarchy and sexuality, and comedian Cariad Lloyd as they dive into the whirlwind life of Empress Matilda. They discuss Matilda's fierce struggle for the throne amidst a male-dominated society and the chaos of the civil war known as The Anarchy. Hear about her dynastic challenges, the humorous quirks of her early marriages, and the broader implications of her reign on English succession. Expect laughter as they intertwine history with wit, uncovering the drama of medieval royal politics!

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ANECDOTE

The White Ship Disaster Tragedy

The White Ship disaster killed nearly all aboard, including Henry I's son William.
The only survivor was a butcher from Rouen who claimed the passengers had a wild party before sinking.

ANECDOTE

Matilda's Troubled Second Marriage

Matilda disliked her second husband Geoffrey due to his lower status and young age.
She lived in Anjou and spoke multiple languages while raising their sons under risky childbirth conditions.

ANECDOTE

Stephen's Rapid Coronation Story

Stephen seized the throne immediately after Henry I died despite oaths favoring Matilda.
His quick coronation was aided by his brother's powerful position as Bishop of Winchester.

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Greg Jenner is joined in twelfth-century England by Dr Gabrielle Storey and comedian Cariad Lloyd to learn all about Empress Matilda and the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy. A granddaughter of William the Conqueror, Matilda was born into England’s new Norman royal family. As a young girl she was used as a dynastic pawn by her father and sent to Germany to marry the Holy Roman Emperor. Here she was crowned empress and trained to rule. When her younger brother died, followed by her husband, Matilda returned to England to take her place as her father’s heir. But after her father’s death she was beaten to the throne by her cousin Stephen, and so began the medieval civil war known as the Anarchy. Although Matilda ultimately lost, her son, Henry, was made Stephen’s heir, and he went on to rule with support and advice from his royal mother. So who was the real winner? This episode traces Matilda’s dramatic life from daughter of a king to empress of Germany to queen-in-waiting of England. Along the way, we ask whether medieval sexism prevented her from taking the throne, and look at the ways a woman could rule in twelfth-century Europe.

If you’re a fan of fearsome queens, violent family feuds and medieval royal drama, you’ll love our episode on Empress Matilda.

If you want more medieval queens with Dr Gabrielle Storey, check out our episode on Eleanor of Aquitaine. For more from Cariad Lloyd, listen to our episodes on Agrippina the Younger, Mary Wollstonecraft, and the Arts and Crafts Movement. And for more English royal feuds, there’s our episode on the Causes of the British Civil Wars.

You’re Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past.

Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Clara Chamberlain Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Ben Hollands Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars