Kings & Queens of England
Name and House: Matilda (Maud) / House of Normandy
Reigned: 7th April – 1st November 1141
Biography:
Matilda’s name is Latin for ‘Maud’ and she has the dubious title of being Henry I’s only legitimate surviving child. Though it had always been written that she was born in Winchester in 1101, recent evidence is pointing towards her having been born in Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire in the Royal Palace. When Matilda was betrothed to Emperor Henry V of Germany at the age of eight, it was viewed as a political coup of sorts at the hands of her father.
When Matilda’s brother was killed at sea in 1120 she became her father’s only hope for a successor to the throne, but Stephen was able to interfere and wrest the throne from her anxious grasp. In 1139, she took her forces and captured Stephen in 1141 at the Battle of Lincoln, thus becoming the first ever Queen of England. Promotional USB Sticks.
Unfortunately, Matilda was never able to secure her coronation, partly because she quickly alienated the London citizens and partly as Stephen laid siege to the city in order to recapture the vacant throne. When Matilda then agreed to swap the roles of Stephen and Robert (former Duke of Normandy), it reinstated Stephen’s reign over England.
When Matilda’s half-brother died in 1148, she returned to Normandy and left her son Henry behind; he would later be crowned as Henry II in 1154. On 10th September 1169 Matilda died and she was buried at Fontevrault Abbey.