End of Matilda's Reign

Date: November 1, 1141 • Location: London, United Kingdom

Empress Matilda's reign as "Lady of the English" ends as Stephen of Blois regains the title of "King of England".

Empress Matilda, also known as Empress Maud or Athelicia, was Holy Roman Empress as the consort of Emperor Henry V from 1110 until 1125, and was subsequently a claimant to the English throne during the civil war known as the Anarchy (1138–1153). Following the death of her father, King Henry I of England, as his only surviving legitimate child and nominated heir, she asserted her right to the English throne. However, her cousin Stephen of Blois usurped the crown.