# Stephen becomes king (1135)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1135-stephen-becomes-king
Categories: ruler-change, main-event

Stephen of Blois was crowned despite Henry I's plans for his daughter Matilda to inherit. Within the broader Norman & Angevin Britain period, Norman conquest, cross-Channel lordship and royal reform created a new aristocracy and a more centralized monarchy. This event is placed at 1135 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The disputed accession began the long civil conflict known as the Anarchy.

## Why it matters
The disputed accession began the long civil conflict known as the Anarchy.

Ruler at the time: [Stephen](https://english-history.com/rulers/stephen)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Stephen becomes king](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Stephen+becomes+king&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Stephen becomes king](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Stephen+becomes+king)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281000%E2%80%931499%29)
- [The National Archives — medieval education resources](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/)