Matilda (Empress Maud)

Henry names daughter Matilda as heir - barons swear oath to accept first female ruler of England

Matilda marries Geoffrey Plantagenet - creates Angevin claim to English throne, barons unhappy with match

Marriage of Geoffrey Plantagenet to Empress Matilda - union creates Angevin claim to English throne, planta genista (broom plant) badge gives dynasty its name

Birth of future Henry II - Matilda's son will eventually unite England and create Angevin Empire

The Anarchy begins - Matilda lands in England to claim throne, 19 years of civil war follow

Battle of Lincoln - Stephen captured, Matilda proclaimed 'Lady of the English' but never crowned

Matilda's escape from Oxford Castle - escapes Stephen's siege across frozen Thames wearing white as camouflage

Death of Robert of Gloucester - Matilda's half-brother and chief supporter dies, she returns to Normandy