The AnarchyThe Anarchy At the end of 1135, Henry I, king of England died unexpectedly leaving no male heir to reign in his stead. Henrys daughter, Empress Matilda, believed she should rule by succession. However, the late kings favourite nephew, Stephen de Blois, was quicker to the throne, and with the help of his brother, the Bishop of Winchester, was crowned king. Those loyal to the empress were enraged by Stephens coronation and would not accept him as their