Birth of Empress Matilda
Empress Matilda was born in 1102, the daughter of King Henry I of England and Matilda of Scotland. She was also known as Maud.
1102
1110
Betrothal to Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor
At the age of eight, Empress Matilda was betrothed to Henry V, the Holy Roman Emperor, marking the beginning of her influential role in European politics.
1114
Marriage to Henry V
Empress Matilda married Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, thereby becoming Empress of the Holy Roman Empire. This marriage significantly elevated her status and influence.
1125
Death of Henry V
Henry V died in 1125, leaving Empress Matilda a widow. She returned to England at her father's request.
1127
Designated Heir to the English Throne
King Henry I named Empress Matilda as his heir, following the death of her brother William Adelin in the White Ship disaster.
1128
Marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou
Empress Matilda married Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, in an effort to strengthen her position and secure her claim to the English throne.
1135
Death of King Henry I
King Henry I died, leading to a succession crisis as Stephen of Blois seized the throne, despite Empress Matilda's claim.
1139
Beginning of The Anarchy
Empress Matilda invaded England to assert her claim to the throne, initiating a civil war known as The Anarchy.
1141
Empress Matilda's Brief Reign
Empress Matilda captured King Stephen and was declared "Lady of the English," effectively ruling for a short period before being driven out of London.
1142
Siege of Oxford
Empress Matilda was besieged in Oxford but managed to escape, continuing her struggle for the throne.
1147
End of Active Campaigns
Empress Matilda's active campaigns in England ended as her son, Henry, began to take a more prominent role in the conflict.
1153
Treaty of Wallingford
The Treaty of Wallingford was agreed upon, recognizing Stephen as king but naming Empress Matilda's son, Henry, as his successor.
1154
Henry II Becomes King
Following Stephen's death, Empress Matilda's son Henry II ascended to the throne, marking the end of The Anarchy and the beginning of the Plantagenet dynasty.
1167
Death of Empress Matilda
Empress Matilda died in 1167 in Rouen, Normandy. She was buried in the Abbey of Bec-Hellouin, leaving a legacy as a pivotal figure in English history.
1189
Henry II's Reign
Henry II, the son of Empress Matilda, continued to rule until 1189, solidifying the Plantagenet dynasty and implementing significant legal reforms.
