On this day in 1135 – Stephen crowned King, beginning 18 years of civil war

On this day in 1135, Stephen of Blois was crowned King of England. He succeeded his uncle King Henry I.

Whilst Henry had nominated his daughter Matilda as his successor, Stephen exploited the belief held by many senior nobles and clergy that a woman could not rule, and was thus crowned King.

The succession struggled led to a brutal civil war and lasted until 1153, when it was agreed that Stephen could keep the throne but Matilda’s son Henry would succeed him.