Matilda's claim and campaign
I can explain how Matilda took advantage of Stephen's weakened position to advance her claim and lead a campaign against Stephen.
Matilda's claim and campaign
I can explain how Matilda took advantage of Stephen's weakened position to advance her claim and lead a campaign against Stephen.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Matilda regarded Stephen as a usurper.
- Matilda sought to secure the pope's backing for her claim.
- Matilda raised an army in England to fight against Stephen.
- Matilda gained the support of some leading English barons.
- Historians can learn about the role of elite women in the Middle Ages from Matilda's campaign.
Common misconception
Women in England were not allowed to fight in wars.
We have many examples of women leading the defence of castles throughout English history, and occasionally leading the attack on enemy territory as well. It was uncommon, but not unheard of.
Keywords
Usurper - a usurper is somebody who takes something by force without the right to do so
Anarchy - anarchy is an absence of government in society; political or social disorder
Civil war - a civil war is a war between citizens of the same country
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
to be born of parents legally married to each other
a great lord or landholder in a kingdom
a situation in which there is no clear heir to a position
a group of countries or provinces ruled from the centre by one person