Stephen

Stephen


House / Group: Norman
Born / died: 1096-1154
Reign: 1132-1154


The son of Stephen, Count of Blois, and Adela (daughter of William I), thus the grandson of William the Conqueror.He married Matilda (daughter of the Count of Boulogne)  and they had 5 children (Eustace, Baldwin, William, Matilda and Marie). Stephen had at least 3 illegitimate children (including Gervase, later Abbot of Westminster).
Henry I's daughter Maud (Stephen's cousin) was expected to succeed him, and had the support of most of the Barons, but on Henry's death, Stephen claimed the throne and support moved to him.
Stephen's reign began quietly but degenerated as his weakness became apparent. Barons rebelled, Stephen was defeated and imprisoned and Maud seemed to be gaining the upper hand, but Stephen's wife Matilda played a significant role in achieving his restoration to power. Stephen retained the throne despite continuing unrest. Following the death of his son Eustace, Stephen came to an agreement with Maud that her son Henry should succeed him.
Stephen, the last Norman king, died at Dover and was buried in Faversham Abbey.