Civil Wars #civil war #theanarchy

 Civil wars. A very strange description of something that really, in my opinion is anything but civil. They tend to be very bloody affairs. Civil wars often divide families;  brother fighting brother. cousin fighting cousin and so on. I am going to write about civil wars across the world, not just in Britain. 

When anyone mentions civil wars, people tend to think about the Union & Confederacy of the United States. That civil war must be one of the most discussed, researched and even photographed. There are many more for people to research and learn about. Civil wars in Russia for instance, France, Mozambique, Scotland, China, 

I am starting with the Anarchy. this took place in England & Normandy between 1138 & 1153. King Stephen & Queen Matilda appeared to be the main protagonists. 

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(The problem with blogging about events from over 900 years ago is there are no photographs or quality images!). 

How Did It Begin?

Like many wars, it began by accident. William, son of Henry I died when the White Ship sank in 1120. The line of succession was fought over by Stephen & Matilda. Matilda had been named successor, but was not popular because she was a woman, and also married to Geoffrey of Anjou, who had been at war with Henry at the time of his death. Stephen crossed the Channel from Boulogne and was crowned King on December 22nd. Matilda refused to step aside and war was the result.

Famous Battles & Sieges

1141 Lincoln

How Did It End?

Henry was Matilda's son, and was camped at Wallingford  July 1953 with his army. Stephen's army was also there, but nobles on each side refused to fight. The Treaty of Winchester meant Stephen continued to rule and Henry was to be his successor, the first Plantaganet King of England.