The Death of King Henry I and the Succession Crisis of 1135

On December 1, 1135, King Henry I of England passed away, an event that precipitated a significant succession crisis known as “The Anarchy.” Henry I, the fourth son of William the Conqueror, had ruled England since 1100 and was known for his administrative efficiency and efforts to consolidate royal power. His death marked the beginning of a turbulent period in English history.

Context Leading to the Crisis

• Henry I’s Reign: Henry I ascended to the throne following the death of his brother, William II. His reign was characterized by efforts to strengthen the monarchy, including the establishment of the Exchequer and the issuance of the Charter of Liberties, which sought to curb abuses of royal power.

• The White Ship Disaster: In 1120, a pivotal event occurred that would have lasting implications for the English succession. The White Ship disaster resulted in the death of Henry’s only legitimate son and heir, William Adelin. This tragedy left Henry without a clear male successor, prompting him to designate his daughter, Matilda, as his heir.

• Matilda’s Position: Matilda, also known as Empress Matilda due to her marriage to Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, was a strong candidate for the throne. However, her position was complicated by the prevailing norms of male succession and her remarriage to Geoffrey Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, which was unpopular among the English nobility.

The Succession Crisis

• Henry’s Death: Upon Henry I’s death in Normandy, the lack of a clear male heir led to a power vacuum. Despite Henry’s efforts to secure Matilda’s succession, including having the barons swear allegiance to her, the transition was not smooth.

• Stephen of Blois: Stephen, Henry’s nephew and a grandson of William the Conqueror, quickly moved to claim the throne. He was able to secure the support of many barons and was crowned King of England on December 22, 1135, largely due to his swift action and the backing of his brother, Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester.

The Anarchy

• Civil War: The ensuing period, known as The Anarchy, was marked by a protracted civil war between the forces of Stephen and those loyal to Matilda. The conflict was characterized by shifting alliances, widespread lawlessness, and devastation across England.

• Resolution: The Anarchy persisted for nearly two decades, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory. It was eventually resolved through the Treaty of Wallingford in 1153, which allowed Stephen to remain king but recognized Matilda’s son, Henry of Anjou, as his successor. This agreement paved the way for the ascension of Henry II, the first of the Plantagenet kings.

Historical Significance

The death of Henry I and the subsequent Anarchy had profound implications for England. It highlighted the vulnerabilities of hereditary succession and underscored the importance of clear and uncontested lines of succession. The resolution of the crisis ultimately strengthened the monarchy and set the stage for the Angevin Empire under Henry II, shaping the future of England and its governance.

The Anarchy also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of civil strife and the necessity of political stability, lessons that would resonate throughout English history.