Stephen (1092 or 1096 – 25 October 1154), often referred to as Stephen of Blois, was King of England from 22 December 1135 to his death in 1154. He was Count of Boulogne jure uxoris from 1125 until …

Stephen (born c. 1097—died Oct. 25, 1154, Dover, Kent, Eng.) was the king of England from 1135 to 1154. He gained the throne by usurpation but failed to consolidate his power during the ensuing civil …

Dec 6, 2019 · King Stephen of England, often called Stephen of Blois, ruled from 1135 to 1154 CE. His predecessor Henry I of England (r. 1100-1135 CE) had left no male heir...

Jun 30, 2025 · Pope Innocent II confirmed Stephen as king by letter later that year, and Stephen's advisers circulated copies widely around England to demonstrate Stephen's legitimacy.

Read a biography about Stephen, King of England who usurped the English throne from Matilda in 1135.

On the death of Henry I in 1135, his favourite nephew, Stephen of Blois, son of his sister Adela, hurried to London, where he secured election and coronation within the month.

King Stephen of England, who ruled from 1135 to 1154, remains one of the most controversial and enigmatic figures in medieval English history. His reign, marred by civil war and political instability, is …

Key facts about King Stephen who was born c.1097, including biography, historical timeline and links to the British royal family tree.

Stephen was crowned King of England on the 22nd December 1135, usurping his cousin and royal contender to the throne, Empress Matilda. As the daughter of Henry I she had expected to be queen, …

He was a son of Stephen, Count of Blois and his wife Adela, daughter of William 'the Conqueror' and was born in about 1096. Most of his reign was taken up with fighting his cousin, the Empress Matilda, …