England almost had its first reigning queen. Empress Matilda was the only legitimate daughter of King Henry I of England and was publicly named his heir after the death of his son. When Henry died in 1135, Matilda’s claim was challenged by her cousin Stephen of Blois, who took the throne instead. Matilda did not accept this quietly. She fought to assert her right, plunging England into a prolonged civil war known as The Anarchy. For a brief period, she was recognized as ruler and styled “Lady of