Stephen is anointed king on December 22, 1135, with the implicit support of the church and nation.

Matilda and her own son stand for direct descent by heredity from Henry I, and she bides her time in France.

The following civil war from 1139–1153 is known as the Anarchy.

In the autumn of 1139, she invades England with her illegitimate half-brother Robert of Gloucester.

Her husband, Geoffroy V of Anjou, conquers Normandy but does not cross the channel to help his wife, satisfied with Normandy and Anjou.

During this breakdown of central authority, the nobles run amok building adulterine castles (i.e. castles erected without government permission).