Historical Figure
Empress Matilda
1102–1167
Holy Roman Empress from 1114 to 1125; claimant to the English throne
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Biography
Empress Matilda, also known as Empress Maud, was Holy Roman Empress as the consort of Emperor Henry V from 1110 until his death in 1125, and was subsequently a claimant to the English throne during the civil war known as the Anarchy. Following the death of her father, King Henry I of England, she asserted her right to the English throne as his only surviving legitimate child and styled herself Lady of the English. However, her cousin Stephen of Blois was crowned king in her place.
Timeline
The story of Empress Matilda, told in moments.
Married Holy Roman Emperor Henry V at 12. Became Empress. She took to the role. When Henry died in 1125, she returned to her father's court in England.
Her father Henry I died. Despite naming Matilda his heir, her cousin Stephen of Blois seized the English throne. Matilda refused to accept it.
Captured Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln and controlled England for months. Called herself Lady of the English. But her harsh rule alienated London's citizens, who drove her out before she could be crowned.
Withdrew to Normandy after years of civil war. Shifted her strategy to securing the throne for her son Henry instead. It worked. He became Henry II in 1154.
Died in Rouen at 65. Never became queen. But her son founded the Plantagenet dynasty, which ruled England for over 300 years. Her epitaph read: "Great by birth, greater by marriage, greatest in her offspring."
In Their Own Words (20)
WHY are all these women married?! Mrs. D? Mrs. I? You're supposed to be teaching spelling, not poetry!
Mine are driving me crazy. I'll tell ya, six hours a day of school is not enough.
Okay, listen up, everybody. Have a new student with us today. This is Matilda Wormwood. I'd like you to sit here with Lavender.
Look, Miss Snit, a girl does not get anywhere by acting intelligent! I mean, take a look at you and me. You chose books - I chose looks. I have a nice house, a wonderful husband... and you are slaving away teaching snot-nosed children their ABCs. You want Matilda to go to college?
But don't people need good cars? Can't you sell good cars, Dad?
Artifacts (7)
a certain blending of party and state activities ... in the long run we shall wi...
ological conformity in the humanities and social sciences was demanded. In a 1972 speech, Ceaușescu stated he wanted "a certain blending of party and state activities ... in the long run we shall...
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