I've been reading about Stephen of Blois, probably one of the least heard-about English monarchs, and the struggle between him and Empress Matilda for the throne.
The civil war that would become known as 'The Anarchy' ultimately lasted from 1139 to 1153, when Stephen died and Henry II came to the throne. But, as I'm always a sucker for underdogs, I started looking for how Stephen could have defeated Matilda. The best, I think, I found was in 1140, when Stephen besieged Arundel Castle where Matilda was staying. IOTL, Stephen was persuaded by his brother, Henry, Bishop of Winchester, to release Matilda.
What would happen if Stephen hadn't called off the siege? Obviously, he'd still have Robert of Gloucester, and likely Geoffrey of Anjou to worry about.
The civil war that would become known as 'The Anarchy' ultimately lasted from 1139 to 1153, when Stephen died and Henry II came to the throne. But, as I'm always a sucker for underdogs, I started looking for how Stephen could have defeated Matilda. The best, I think, I found was in 1140, when Stephen besieged Arundel Castle where Matilda was staying. IOTL, Stephen was persuaded by his brother, Henry, Bishop of Winchester, to release Matilda.
What would happen if Stephen hadn't called off the siege? Obviously, he'd still have Robert of Gloucester, and likely Geoffrey of Anjou to worry about.