Empress Matilda

Empress Matilda (February 1102 – September 10, 1167) is the title by which Matilda, daughter and dispossessed heir of King Henry I of England and his wife Matilda of Scotland (herself daughter of Malcolm III Canmore and St. Margaret of Scotland), is known, in order to differentiate her from the many other Matildas of the period. Matilda is a variant form of the French name "Maud" (or "Maude"); it was used commonly in Latin texts of the time.

Historical fiction

The civil war between supporters of Stephen and the supporters of Matilda is the background for the popular "Brother Cadfael" books by Ellis Peters, and the films made from them starring Sir Derek Jacobi as that rare Benedictine.

Related Topics:
Brother Cadfael - Ellis Peters - Derek Jacobi - Benedictine

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Another popular series of light historical fiction is that of Jean Plaidy. The third book of her Norman Trilogy, Passionate Enemies tells the story of Stephan and Matilda.

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The novel When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Penman tells the story of the civil war.

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It is also an important part in the storyline of Ken Follett's most popular novel The Pillars of the Earth.

Related Topics:
Ken Follett - The Pillars of the Earth

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