Stephen I

Question 1

1135-54

Answer 1

Anarchy- political and military struggle for the throne with Matilda. Church supports Stephen’s claim, but Stephen is too busy fighting to exert much royal influence over ecclesiastical issues.
During Anarchy, nobility switch their allegiances to suit their own needs.

Question 2

1139

Answer 2

Stephen draws his advice from too shallow a well (the Beaumont brothers), who believe priest Roger of Salisbury and nephews to be too powerful. Stephen seizes castle and Salisbury is brutally man handled during arrest, breaking scriptural command, “touch not mine anointed”, leading to outrage in the church.