Empress Matilda

Queen

Birthday February 7, 1102

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace England

DEATH DATE Sep 10, 1167 (65)

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About

Queen also known as Empress Maude, and considered by some to have been the first queen of England. She rose to the throne after the death of her brother and defended her claim of it against her cousin Stephen. The controversy caused a nearly 20-year civil war in England, from 1135 to 1153, called the Anarchy. Her son Henry became the successor to the throne of England.

Before Fame

After being born and raised in England, she became empress of Rome when she was officially married to Henry V in Germany at age 11.

Trivia

She was said to be strong of character, proud and unwavering in her preferences. 

Family Life

Her father was Henry I of England and her mother was Matilda of Scotland. Her only full brother was William Adelin, though she may have had 22 more siblings based on the number of mistresses her father had. Her first marriage was to the Roman emperor Henry V of Germany, and when he died she became married to Geoffrey V, Count of Anjou. Her children are Henry II Of England, King of England Geoffrey, and Count of Nantes William Fitz Empress. 

Associated With

Alfred Lord Tennyson's 1855 poem "Maud" may be an ode to Matilda and her battles.

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