In 1135 Stephen of Blois usurped the throne, stealing it from his cousin Empress Matilda and sparking a nineteen-year civil war that would become known as the Anarchy, one of the bloodiest periods in English history. On the one side is Empress Matilda. On the other side is her cousin, Queen Matilda, supporting her husband Stephen and fighting to see her own son inherit the English crown. In this fascinating talk Sharon Bennett Connolly demonstrates how these women, unable to wield a sword, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness.

This talk was recorded in July 2024.