Join this channel to get access to the rest of this series: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYK0BJZF3yNb2fw1EdAXUQ/join How did Matilda, princess of England, become Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in 1110? What disbarred her from becoming queen of England after her father's death? And, why did she go to battle for the throne of England, in the brutal civil war known as The Anarchy? In this new member’s-only mini series, Tom is joined by historian and author Helen Castor, to talk about some of the most impressive queens of medieval Europe. _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook 0:00 Introduction: The “She-Wolves” of medieval England 03:55 Matilda, Henry I, and the problem of succession 08:04 William Ætheling, Matilda, and the role of royal women 12:45 The White Ship disaster changes everything 15:00 Henry I’s plan to make Matilda his heir 18:30 Henry I dies — and Matilda is vulnerable 21:10 Stephen seizes the throne 24:08 Why Stephen initially looks like he has won 27:19 Matilda lands in England to claim her throne 29:38 The Anarchy begins 32:31 Stephen is captured: Matilda’s great opportunity 34:39 Matilda loses London and her coronation slips away 36:03 How the civil war finally ends 38:06 Matilda’s later life and legacy 39:35 What Matilda’s story meant for female rule in England Social channels: https://www.instagram.com/theresthistory/ https://www.tiktok.com/@theresthistory https://x.com/TheRestHistory https://bsky.app/profile/theresthistory.bsky.social https://www.threads.com/@theresthistory Video Editors: Jack Meek, Harry Swan + Adam Thornton Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Senior Producer: Callum Hill Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Head of Digital & Social: Sam Oakley