When people think of the English civil war known as the Anarchy, one name often stands at the center: Empress Matilda, the daughter of Henry I and the woman who almost became England’s first ruling queen. But who was Matilda really-and why did she never wear the crown?

In this episode, Rebecca is joined by historian Matt Lewis to explore the fascinating and often misunderstood story of the woman sometimes called “The Queen Who Never Was.” After the death of her father, Matilda was his designated heir, yet the throne was seized by her cousin Stephen of Blois, plunging England into nearly two decades of conflict.

Matt takes us through Matilda’s extraordinary life-from her time as Holy Roman Empress to her return to England to claim her inheritance. Together, Rebecca and Matt discuss Matilda’s personality and political style, the challenges she faced as a woman claiming power in the 12th century, and the moments when the crown seemed almost within her grasp.

But this conversation also complicates the traditional narrative. Was Stephen simply a usurper-or was he a more sympathetic figure than history often allows? Matt explains why Stephen’s actions might make more sense when viewed through the lens of medieval politics and loyalty.

It’s a story of ambition, legitimacy, personality, and power-and of a woman who came closer than anyone before her to ruling England in her own right.

Join us as we explore Empress Matilda: The Queen Who Never Was.

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Matt's Website: https://mattlewisauthor.com/

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matthew Lewis