After exploring England’s early monarchs, the Saxon kings, from Egbert through to Edward, we are now onto England’s first Norman king and one of the most influential early monarchs, William I, aka William the Conqueror.
Following the death of Henry I, England fell into a period of civil war, known as The Anarchy, as his named heir, the Empress Matilda battled against her cousin, Stephen of Blois, who took the throne, for the title of ruler.
Following the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, a new royal house was introduced, one that will shape the monarchy to what we know today. Welcome to the Plantagenets.
Richard I is an iconic figure in both England and France and during his time as ruler was not only King of England, but also the Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poiters, Count of Anjou, Maine and Nantes and the Overlord of Brittany.
Much like his brother before him, King John was never meant to take the throne. Being the youngest son of Henry II and Duchess Eleanor of Aquitaine, John wasn’t expected to have much in the way of land and titles. He would however go on to be known as England’s most hated king.
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