An End To Anarchy In England
The Death of the Anglo-Norman State
In 1149, according to the Gesta Stephani, King David of Scotland ‘bestowed the arms of manhood’ on his nephew, the future Henry II, at Carlisle. His mother, the Empress Matilda, had left the country a year and a half previously. This event provided a new focal point for the Angevin cause and introduced him as a possible future heir, although Stephen remained the legitimate king. Henry later withdrew to Normandy but his followers continued to make life difficult for Stephen. This was particularly the case as Stephen unsuccessfully tried to secure the throne for his son Eustace.
Political Reality and Self Preservation
Any military solution involved risk, not only for Stephen and Henry but also their respective followers. On two occasions in 1153, at Malmesbury and Crowmarsh, the two sides prepared for battle. However the Gesta Stephani states that ‘those of a deeper judgement shrank from conflict’ and refused to fight. Men had begun to take responsibility for their self preservation, the preservation of their property and their dynastic ambitions. Opposing nobles adopted treaties that sought to preserve the status quo if conflict did take place. There existed no great desire to force the issue. The majority of the nobility, already finely balanced between the two camps, adopted a wait and see policy.
A Change of Emphasis in Rome
There were also changes taking place within the church. The election of Eugenius as pope was a setback for Stephen. Eugenius was from the house of Citeaux while his predecessor Innocent had taken orders in the house of Cluny. Stephen was a supporter of the house of Cluny. As a result Stephen began to loose his influence over the church and the election of the clergy. The church had played a prominent political role throughout the reign and began, like the nobility, to adopt a position of neutrality which extended as far as Rome.
Kingship and Community
Henry became duke of Normandy in 1150. This title reinforced the historic cross channel links. He also acquired Anjou with the death of his father in September 1151 and then Aquitaine through his marriage to Eleanor in May 1152. Henry returned to England in early 1153 with his position greatly improved. However Stephen was still king and his forced removal was not an option. The death of Eustace proved timely but he had already been superseded by Henry. The two sides were subsequently kept apart while others searched for a viable solution. The Treaty of Winchester brought the anarchy to an end and gave Henry of Anjou the throne when Stephen died in 1154.
References;
Gesta Stephani, ed K.R. Potter and R.H.C. Davis (O.M.T. 1976)
Davis R.H.C. King Stephen 1135-54. 3rd edn. (Longman 1990)
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