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STEPHEN

Born 1104. Began to Reign, Dec. 26, 1135. Died Oct. 25, 1154. Reigned 18 Years.

Was third son of the Earl of Blois, and Adela, daughter of William the Conqueror. Matilda the sole heiress to the throne, of which Stephen had so perfidiously deprived her, did not delay in asserting her right to the crown. Having gained an advantage over the forces of Stephen, she soon deposed him from the throne, and was crowned in his place. The queen by her pride and haughtiness soon rendered herself odious to her subjects; and an agreement having been made bewixt Stephen and Henry, Matilda's son, it was arranged that Stephen should reign during the remainder of his life, and bequeath the crown to Henry. About twelve months after, he died at Canterbury, where he was interred. He was brave, active, and industrious ; and fitted by his personal character to rule with dignity.

Eminent men in this reign :--Thurston, Archbishop of York ; John of Salisbury; Roger de Hoveden, historians.