Matilda and the succession crisis
I can describe the nature of Matilda's claim to the English throne.
Matilda and the succession crisis
I can describe the nature of Matilda's claim to the English throne.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Henry I had a male heir, William Adelin.
- William Adelin died on the White Ship in 1120.
- The death of William Adelin prompted a succession crisis in England.
- The English barons swore to recognise Matilda as the heir.
- Stephen of Blois took the crown following Henry I's death.
Common misconception
Women were forbidden from ruling in their own right in England during the medieval period.
The first time the concept of a woman ruling in her own right in England occurred it took everyone by surprise. No one had considered that a woman might rule alone, so there was no law preventing it from happening.
Keywords
Legitimate - legitimate means to be born of parents legally married to each other
Heir - an heir is a person legally entitled to the property or rank of another person upon that person’s death
Baron - a baron is a great lord or landholder in a kingdom
Succession crisis - a succession crisis is a situation in which there is no clear heir to a position
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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