Directory

1141 CE

A year of dramatic reversals in the English civil war known as the Anarchy, in which Empress Matilda captured King Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln only to be driven from London before she could be crowned.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • Empress Matilda briefly controlled England after capturing King Stephen, styling herself Lady of the English and preparing for coronation, but was unable to consolidate her authority.
  • Matilda's arrogance and heavy-handed demands for taxation alienated the citizens of London, who rose against her and drove her from the city before her planned coronation at Westminster.

Conflict & Security

  • The Battle of Lincoln was fought on February 2, resulting in the capture of King Stephen by forces loyal to Empress Matilda, led by Robert of Gloucester.
  • The Rout of Winchester in September saw Matilda's forces defeated and her half-brother Robert of Gloucester captured, leading to a prisoner exchange that freed King Stephen.
  • The exchange of Stephen for Robert of Gloucester effectively reset the civil war, with neither side able to achieve a decisive advantage.

Climate & Environment

  • Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 275 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.

Culture & Society

  • The chronicler William of Malmesbury continued his historical writings during this period, providing one of the most detailed accounts of the Anarchy.
  • The estimated world population was approximately 338 million.