Matilda proves an effective queen for Henry, acting as a regent in England on occasion, addressing and presiding over councils, and extensively supporting the arts.

The couple soon had two children, Matilda, born in 1102, and William Adelin, born in 1103; it is possible that they also had a second son, Richard, who died young.

Following the birth of these children, Matilda prefers to remain based in Westminster while Henry travels across England and Normandy, either for religious reasons or because she enjoys being involved in the machinery of royal governance.

Henry has a considerable sexual appetite and enjoys a substantial number of sexual partners, resulting in a large number of illegitimate children, at least nine sons and thirteen daughters, many of whom he appears to have recognized and supported.

It was normal for unmarried Anglo-Norman noblemen to have sexual relations with prostitutes and local women, and kings are also expected to have mistresses.

Some of these relationships occurred before Henry was married, but many others take place after his marriage to Matilda.

Henry has a wide range of mistresses from a range of backgrounds, and the relationships appear to have been conducted relatively openly.

He may have chosen some of his noble mistresses for political purposes, but the evidence to support this theory is limited.