Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (2 of 6): England (04 of 12) / Stephan Earle Of Bullongne

The narrative recounts Stephen, nephew of the late king, swiftly seizing the English throne after Henry's death and being crowned amid omens. Many nobles had sworn allegiance to the empress and her heirs, but several—some bishops among them—break their oaths, justifying the act as protection of the realm and church. Stephen wins support by promising to abolish the Danegeld, promptly fill vacant benefices, forbid forfeiture of woods for hunting, and grant licences to build castles, while favouring newcomers and foreign soldiers. Those denied preferment fortify their castles and resist, some even seeking Scottish assistance, setting the scene for prolonged disorder and retribution against perjury.