In this episode of the Medieval Archives Podcast we discuss “The Anarchy” a nineteen year period of civil war and chaos. The death of King Henry I set off a chain reaction of events that set England on a path of destruction. The Scots in the North, the Welsh in the West and the English nobleman all struggled to gain back or acquire land and wealth. Stephen of Blois becomes King Stephen and is a weak and indecisive leader. Empress Matilda is staging attacks from Normandy as the rightful heir to the throne. Will England survive two decades of civil war and infighting? Will King Stephen learn to rule with a strong hand and a decisive nature? Will Empress Matilda gain her rightful place as the Queen of England? You will find out all of this and more in Episode Four of the Medieval Archives Podcast.
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Items discussed:
- King Stephen
- Empress Matilda
- Battle of Standard
- Battle of Lincoln
- First Treaty of Durham
- Treaty of Wallingford
Historical Fiction Books:
- Cecelia Holland: The Earl
- Elizabeth Chadwick: A Place Beyond Courage
- Ken Follett: The Pillars of the Earth
The music was provided by Tim Rayburn. It is available at Magnatune.com
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Comments 3
I’ve been meaning to let you know that I enjoy your podcast. In this episode, another very popular current showing of the Anarchy is the Brother Cadfael mysteries, written by Ellis Peters. She wrote many of them and they were dramatized by the BBC. I always wondered about the Stephen and Maud rivalry and so was very happy to hear your podcast which clarified the whole situation.
(http://www.wellscs.com/ann/reading/cadfael.htm)
Thanks Julie. I have not heard of Brother Cadfael. I will have to check them out. Thanks for the recommendation!