Cunnan - User contributions [en]

Squire

2005-03-26T23:16:04Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

A '''squire''' is an attendant of a [[knight]] who may act as their [[shield-bearer]] and assist them in various other ways. Traditionally, they are [[rank]]ed below the knight but higher than a [[gentleman]]. There is no guarantee that they will ever become a knight themselves.

It came to also mean an [[England|English]] country gentleman. A related term "[[esquire]]" still exists in England to this day and is widely used in the US by attorneys (male and female!) to designate their profession.

==Squires in the SCA==
This is a hard topic to discuss, as squiredom can mean many things to many different people in the [[SCA]]. ''In my view'', being a squire does NOT mean that you are any better than any other member of the [[society]]. Different knights choose squires for different reasons, and expect different things from their squires. It is something that has to be discussed when the opportunity arises. I believe squiredom is a relationship where a [[knight]] believes that he has something to offer his squire, and is mutually beneficial to both parties. At the bare minimum, this would normally mean that the knight will help the squire in their [[combat]] training, but may also aim to help the squire better understand and practise [[chivalry|chivalric]] behaviour.

Squires can be recognised by a red [[belt]] that often has their knight's [[device]] painted on the end. This shows that you have [[fealty]] and a duty to your knight.

As I said, there are many different views with regards to squiredom and my views may totally go against those of another person.

Cecily ferch Madog's tuppence on squires:

Without disagreeing with any of the above, I would say that the most important thing in a knight/squire relationship is that both parties are clear on what their expections and requirements are ''from the outset'' and that there is ample opportunity as time passes and circumstances change for free discussion on whether the relationship is still working, and if not, what improvements could be made. A squire is not a slave and being in fealty should not mean that one must follow blindly and without the right to question or give feedback in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, becoming a squire, especially to a "hot" knight should not be viewed as some guaranteed fast-track to becoming a knight oneself, that can be readily abandoned if that doesn't happen.

Squire

2005-03-26T23:13:41Z

Cecilyferchmadog: Ces's 2p

A '''squire''' is an attendant of a [[knight]] who may act as their [[shield-bearer]] and assist them in various other ways. Traditionally, they are [[rank]]ed below the knight but higher than a [[gentleman]]. There is no gaurantee that they will ever become a knight themselves.

It came to also mean an [[England|English]] country gentleman. A related term "[[esquire]]" still exists in England to this day and is widely used in the US by attorneys (male and female!) to designate their profession.

==Squires in the SCA==
This is a hard topic to discuss, as squiredom can mean many things to many different people in the [[SCA]]. ''In my view'', being a squire does NOT mean that you are any better than any other member of the [[society]]. Different knights choose squires for different reasons, and expect different things from their squires. It is something that has to be discussed when the opportunity arises. I believe squiredom is a relationship where a [[knight]] believes that he has something to offer his squire, and is mutually beneficial to both parties. At the bare minimum, this would normally mean that the knight will help the squire in their [[combat]] training, but may also aim to help the squire better understand and practise [[chivalry|chivalric]] behaviour.

Squires can be recognised by a red [[belt]] that often has their knight's [[device]] painted on the end. This shows that you have [[fealty]] and a duty to your knight.

As I said, there are many different views with regards to squiredom and my views may totally go against those of another person.

Cecily ferch Madog's tuppence on squires:

Without disagreeing with any of the above, I would say that the most important thing in a knight/squire relationship is that both parties are clear on what their expections and requirements are ''from the outset'' and that there is ample opportunity as time passes and circumstances change for free discussion on whether the relationship is still working, and if not, what improvements could be made. A squire is not a slave and being in fealty should not mean that one must follow blindly and without the right to question or give feedback in an appropriate manner. On the other hand, becoming a squire, especially to a "hot" knight should not be viewed as some guaranteed fast-track to becoming a knight oneself, that can be readily abandoned if that doesn't happen.

Knight

2005-03-26T22:52:32Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

==The Historical Knight==
In [[Medieval]] times, a '''knight''' was a mounted warrior in the [[service]] of a [[Lord]]. The word 'knight' is derived from the [[German]] word 'knecht', which means 'servant'.

In later periods, being made a knight was a great [[honour]]. A knight's behaviour, both in [[combat|battle]] and normal life, was guided by a [[code of conduct]].

===See Also===
* [[Chivalric Orders]]
* [[Chivalry]]

==Knights in the SCA==
In the [[SCA]], a '''knight''' is a fighter who has been elevated by the [[Crown]] to the [[Order of Chivalry]] for showing great prowess at [[heavy fighting]] (heavily armoured hand-to-hand fighting) as well as behaving in a chivalrous manner and demonstrating a basic knowledge of medieval customs and arts.

Knights are made by the current [[king]], to whom they swear [[fealty]]. They are recommended by a council of the other knights, but the final decision to elevate a person to the Order is the prerogative of the Crown. Those who do not wish to swear fealty may become '''Masters of Arms''', although not every kingdom encourages use of this title.

SCA knights can be identified by their [[white belt]], [[spurs]] and a [[Chain of Fealty]]. Masters of arms wear a white [[baldric]] instead of a white belt and do not wear a [[Chain of Fealty]], unless they have choosen for this reign to swear [[fealty]].

Knights are addressed with the [[title]] [[sir]] whether male or female. Some female knights prefer to be addressed as [[Dame]]. Masters of arms use the title [[Master]] or [[Mistress]].

A Knight may take on one or more [[squire]]s to train.

===Order of Chivalry===
The '''Order of Chivalry''' is a [[peer]]age order of knights and masters of arms. They advise the crown on matters of chivalry and recommend new members for their order.

Viscountess

2005-03-26T22:45:43Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

A '''viscountess''' is a person who has ruled an [[SCA]] [[principality]] at least once. They are referred to as "Your Excellency" and wear a [[coronet]] of their choice, most commonly with [[pearl]]s. A Viscountess is also a Lady of the Rose.

Countess

2005-03-26T22:44:46Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

In [[England]], countesses are the wives of [[Earl]]s.

==Countess in the SCA==

In the [[SCA]], the [[title]] '''Countess''' is awarded to someone who has completed a [[reign]] over a [[kingdom]]. The [[honorific]] for a countess is "Your Excellency". After a second reign, they are awarded the title [[Duchess]]. A Countess is always a Lady of the Rose.

Count

2005-03-26T22:43:22Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

==Counts in the SCA==
The [[title]] '''Count''' is awarded to someone who has completed a [[reign]] over a [[kingdom]]. The honorific for a count is "Your Excellency". After a second
reign, they are awarded the title [[Duke]].

===Alternate Titles===

The SCA recognises the following [[alternate titles]] in other [[language]]s as the equivalent to Count:

<table border cellpadding=10 cellspacing=0>
<tr>
<th>Language</th>
<th>Alternate Form</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Albanian]]</td>
<td>Kont</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Arabic]]</td>
<td>Qadi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Catalan]]</td>
<td>Comte</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Czech]]</td>
<td>Hrab</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Danish]]</td>
<td>Greve/Jarl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Dutch]]</td>
<td>Graaf</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Estonian]]</td>
<td>Krahv</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Finnish]]</td>
<td>Kreivi/Jaarli</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[French]]</td>
<td>Comte</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[German]]</td>
<td>Graf</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Greek]]</td>
<td>Komes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Hebrew]]</td>
<td>Shilton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Hungarian]]</td>
<td>Foispan/Grof</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Icelandic]]</td>
<td>Greifi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Irish Gaelic]]</td>
<td>Cunta/Iarla</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Italian]]</td>
<td>Conte</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Latin]]</td>
<td>Comes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Middle Norwegian]]</td>
<td>Greifi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Old English]]</td>
<td>Eorl</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Old Norse]]</td>
<td>Jarl/Greifi</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Polish]]</td>
<td>Hrabia</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Portuguese]]</td>
<td>Conde</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Romanian]]</td>
<td>Conte</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Russian]]</td>
<td>Kniaz</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Scots Gaelic]]</td>
<td>Iarla</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Spanish]]</td>
<td>Conde</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Swedish]]</td>
<td>Greve</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Turkish]]</td>
<td>Kont/Beylerbey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>[[Welsh]]</td>
<td>Iarll/Gwledig</td>
</tr>
</table>

Duchess

2005-03-26T22:40:52Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

Prince

2005-03-26T22:39:31Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

The Prince is the person currently ruling a principality, and achieved this position through [[victory]] in a [[Coronet tournament]]. They are permitted to display the [[principality]] [[arms]] and [[coronet]], and are referred to as Your Highness or Your Royal Highness.

When a Prince steps down he becomes a Viscount, regardless of how many times he has ruled.

(SCA humor: Someone who has been Prince once is a Viscount, twice is a Biscuit and three times is a Triscuit)

King

2005-03-26T22:37:15Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

==Kings in the SCA==
The '''King''' is the current male ruler of a [[Kingdom]]. The King and [[Queen]] acting together are described as the [[Crown]]. Who [[becoming king|becomes King]] is determined by victory in the [[Crown tournament]], except in exceptional circumstances.

A King is addressed as [[title|Your Majesty]], and referred to as His (Royal) Majesty. The King uses the [[arms]] of the Kingdom, the [[Royal]] [[crown]] and other regalia for the duration of the [[reign]].

When a King steps down, he becomes a Count (or a variant appropriate to his persona) if he has reigned once and a Duke if he has reigned twice or more.

=== External Links ===
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch

King

2005-03-26T22:36:46Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

==Kings in the SCA==
The '''King''' is the current male ruler of a [[Kingdom]]. The King and [[Queen]] acting together are described as the [[Crown]]. Who [[becoming king|becomes King]] is determined by victory in the [[Crown tournament]], except in exceptional circumstances.

A King is addressed as [[title|Your Majesty]], and referred to as His (Royal) Majesty. The King uses the [[arms]] of the Kingdom, the [[Royal]] [[crown]] and other regalia for the duration of the [[reign]].

When a King steps down, he becomes a [Count] (or a variant appropriate to his persona) if he has reigned once and a [Duke] if he has reigned twice or more.

=== External Links ===
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarch

Princess

2005-03-26T22:35:21Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

The Princess is the one of the people currently ruling a principality. She may have achieved this through being consort to the victor of a [[Coronet tournament]], or by winning the tournament herself. Princesses are permitted to display the [[principality]] [[arms]] and [[coronet]], and are referred to as Your Highness or Your Royal Highness.

When a Princess steps down she becomes a Viscountess and also a Lady of the Rose.

Queen

2005-03-26T22:32:39Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

The Queen the female half of the current rulers of a [[Kingdom]]. The Queen and King acting together are referred to as the [[Crown]].

The Queen may gain her position through [[right of arms]], or by being consort to the [[King]]. She is addressed as Your Majesty, and referred to as Her (Royal) Majesty.

When a Queen steps down, she becomes a [[Countess]] (or some variant appropriate to her persona) if she has reigned once and also becomes a Lady of the Rose. If she has reigned twice or more, she becomes a [[Duchess]] (or variant).

The Queen of [[Lochac]], whether she is [[Queen Regnant]] or [[Queen Consort]], uses the undifferenced [[Arms of the Kingdom of Lochac]].

Queen

2005-03-26T22:31:52Z

Cecilyferchmadog: Add Lady of the Rose info

The Queen the female half of the current rulers of a [[Kingdom]]. The Queen and King acting together are referred to as the [[Crown]].

The Queen may gain her position through [[right of arms]], or by being consort to the [[King]]. She is addressed as Your Majesty, and referred to as Her (Royal) Majesty.

When a Queen steps down, she becomes a [[Countess]] (or some variant appropriate to her persona) if she has reigned once and also becomes a Lady of the Rose. If she has reigned twice, she becomes a [[Duchess]] (or variant).

The Queen of [[Lochac]], whether she is [[Queen Regnant]] or [[Queen Consort]], uses the undifferenced [[Arms of the Kingdom of Lochac]].

Name

2005-03-26T16:49:31Z

Cecilyferchmadog: Oops fixing

[[Medieval]] '''names''' took many forms.

== Human Names ==
Human names tend to use combinations of the following:
* first (or [[Christian]]) names
:e.g. Ingrid, Michael, Giovanni, Ivan, Catherine, Tomas

In early period, Christians tended to take names from the New Testament or saints. Names from the Old Testament (Abraham, Isaac, Moses) were considered the province of Jews, although there were of course exceptions. There are occasional instances of girls being given the names of flowers or precious stones (e.g. Rose, Emerald) but these are unusual until very late in period when the influence of classical literature by way of the Renaissance even occasionally resulted in use of a pagan deity name (e.g. Diane de Poitiers).

* Locatives
:e.g John of London (English), Jhonne Glasgow (Scottish), Jehan de Paris (French), Gunther von Augsberg (German), Juan de Burgos (Spanish)
* Patronymic/Matronymic (citing your father or mother)
:e.g. Thorvaldr Thorgeirsson (Norse), Bernardo di Vincenzo (Italian), Boris Ivanovich (Russian), Ifor ap Dafydd (Cymru/Welsh), Sean U Neill (Irish), John FitzGilbert (Norman--often, but not always (see below) an indicator of illegitimacy)

Depending on the culture, women would use differentiating terminology to indicate "daughter of"
:e.g. Sigrid Njalsdatter (Norse), Ceinwen ferch Llewellyn (Cymru/Welsh), Aine inghean Sheain (Irish), Natasha Ivanova (Russian)

One of the best-known examples of a ''matronymic'' is that of King [[Henry II]] of England, who was also known as Henry FitzEmpress (his mother was the widow of the Holy Roman Emperor and continued to use the title [[Empress (Matilda)|Empress]] even after she'd married his father, Count Geoffrey of Anjou. Henry was ''not'' illegitimate!).

To further confound naming practices, Henry adopted his father's nickname, Plantagenet (due to his habit of wearing a sprig of Planta Genesta (common broom) in his hat) as the name of his dynasty.

* Clan or family affilation
:e.g. O Brien, MacNaughton, di Medici
* Nicknames
:e.g. John Longshanks, Eric the Red, Vlad Dracule
* Occupational names
:e.g. Thomas Wheeler, John Cooper, Edward Carpenter, William Chandler

Which specific names and types of bynames are appropriate for you depends entirely on what you are trying to re-create. The most important factors are the time, place, and culture you want to re-create, but your gender and class are important, too. Not all types of surname were used in all cultures -- many early medieval cultures used no surnames at all. Modern naming customs are generally '''not''' a good guide to medieval naming customs. For example, the Spanish custom of multiple given names and compound surnames refering to your mother and father did not come into general use until well after our period.

See also:
* [[Byzantine Names]]
* [[Old English Names]]

== Place Names ==
[TO BE FILLED IN]
== Names in the SCA ==

Your [[SCA]] [[persona]] will have an [[SCA name]] that should be registered with your [[herald]] and the SCA [[College of Arms]]. Although there is no requirement that you register your name, doing so guarantees that no one else in the SCA can (legally) use it. It is far more important that you choose a name that is a good re-creation of the naming customs of some medieval culture. You can find reliable information to help you do that at the Academy of Saint Gabriel, http://www.s-gabriel.org , and particular in its Medieval Names Archive, http://www.s-gabriel.org/names . Be careful using other web resources: Almost none of them are intended as sources for accurate historical re-creation, and so the names you find there will generally '''not''' be correct.

Your [[groups|branch]] will have to register a name as well. Some types of branches often follow particular fashions in naming, e.g. [[college]]s are often named after a [[patron]] [[saint]]. This follows one of the historical models for naming colleges in medieval Europe.

''This article is just a stub. You are welcome to edit and expand upon what has been written here.''

Rosemary

2005-03-26T16:38:52Z

Cecilyferchmadog: Caidan customs

'''Rosemary''' (''Rosmarinus officinallis'') is an aromatic evergreen shrub, with thick, blunt needle like leaves and either blue or pink flowers. Its [[Latin]] name (Rosmarinus) meaning "Dew of the Sea" apparently derived from the fact that its pale blue flowers looked like dew from a distance.

Rosemary is often associated with ''remembrance'', and was worn by Greek scholars when they were taking examinations as well as by those at a funeral to remember the deceased.

The most remarkable claim made on behalf of rosemary was by Queen Izabella of [[Hungary]] in the [[14th century]]. She claimed that at the age of 72 an infusion of it had so revitalised her body, which was racked with gout and rheumatism, that the King of [[Poland]] proposed to her.

==Rosemary in the SCA==

In the [[Kingdom of Caid]], during Crown Tourney, the Queen invites all the Ladies of the Rose present to help construct wreathes of rosemary to place on the heads of the eventual victor and his consort at Closing Court. The consort's wreath also incorporates yellow roses (the symbol of the Queen of Caid). These wreathes are then dried and treasured as keepsakes of a memorable day.

==See Also==

*[[Rosemary (Maplet)|Rosemary according to Maplet's ''A Greene Forest'']]
*[[Rosemary (Askham)|Rosemary according to Askham's Herbal]]

[[Category:Herbs]]

User talk:Cecilyferchmadog

2005-03-26T15:58:03Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

Hey, that's ok--us Powys folk have no problem with Saesneg friends. :-)

I'm reallyreally hoping to make it over to England/Wales this summer--I want to actually walk the land I'm writing about and see some things I missed when I was there 20 years ago. Hopefully I can also catch up with my squire brother's parents--they run a pub somewhere, and a long-time online friend who's in Sussex. Whereabouts do you live (if you don't mind posting that info here)?

ces
Yr diwedd ydy agos

You're welcome -- I'm living in England (yes, I know :: Wrong Side of Offa's Dyke!!) and, yes, I also think this is epcial, which is why I keep adding odd bits as the muse strikes me.

Simon

Ok, hopefully this is how you do this reply thingie....

You're very welcome, Simon & thank you for the kind comments. I'm writing a historical novel set in 1141 and so I'm eating-breathing-sleeping this time period. Look for more from me as writing/life allows, especially on Wales in this period!

I just discovered this place after someone posted a link on the Caid list--it's fantastic! Why didn't somebody think of this sooner??

ces

Thank you for your edits on matilda. You certainly know your stuff.<br>
Simon Cursitor

Name

2005-03-26T15:27:22Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

[[Medieval]] '''names''' took many forms.

== Human Names ==
Human names tend to use combinations of the following:
* first (or [[Christian]]) names
:e.g. Ingrid, Michael, Giovanni, Ivan, Catherine, Tomas

In early period, Christians tended to take names from the New Testament or saints. Names from the Old Testament (Abraham, Isaac, Moses) were considered the province of Jews, although there were of course exceptions. There are occasional instances of girls being given the names of flowers or precious stones (e.g. Rose, Emerald) but these are unusual until very late in period when the influence of classical literature by way of the Renaissance even occasionally resulted in use of a pagan deity name (e.g. Diane de Poitiers).

* Locatives
:e.g John of London (English), Jhonne Glasgow (Scottish), Jehan de Paris (French), Gunther von Augsberg (German), Juan de Burgos (Spanish)
* Patronymic/Matronymic (citing your father or mother)
:e.g. Thorvaldr Thorgeirsson (Norse), Bernardo di Vincenzo (Italian), Boris Ivanovich (Russian), Ifor ap Dafydd (Cymru/Welsh), Sean U Neill (Irish), John FitzGilbert (Norman--often, but not always (see below) an indicator of illegitimacy)

Depending on the culture, women would use differentiating terminology to indicate "daughter of"
:e.g. Sigrid Njalsdatter (Norse), Ceinwen ferch Llewellyn (Cymru/Welsh), Aine inghean Sheain (Irish), Natasha Ivanova (Russian)

One of the best-known examples of a ''matronymic'' is that of King Henry II of England, who was also known as Henry FitzEmpress (his mother was the widow of the Holy Roman Emperor and continued to use the title Empress even after she'd married his father, Count Geoffrey of Anjou. Henry was ''not'' illegitimate!).

To further confound naming practices, Henry adopted his father's nickname, Plantagenet (due to his habit of wearing a sprig of Planta Genesta (common broom) in his hat) as the name of his dynasty.

* Clan or family affilation
:e.g. O Brien, MacNaughton, di Medici
* Nicknames
:e.g. John Longshanks, Eric the Red, Vlad Dracule
* Occupational names
:e.g. Thomas Wheeler, John Cooper, Edward Carpenter, William Chandler

Which specific names and types of bynames are appropriate for you depends entirely on what you are trying to re-create. The most important factors are the time, place, and culture you want to re-create, but your gender and class are important, too. Not all types of surname were used in all cultures -- many early medieval cultures used no surnames at all. Modern naming customs are generally '''Bold text'''not'''Bold text''' a good guide to medieval naming customs. For example, the Spanish custom of multiple given names and compound surnames refering to your mother and father did not come into general use until well after our period.

See also:
* [[Byzantine Names]]
* [[Old English Names]]

== Place Names ==
[TO BE FILLED IN]
== Names in the SCA ==

Your [[SCA]] [[persona]] will have an [[SCA name]] that should be registered with your [[herald]] and the SCA [[College of Arms]]. Although there is no requirement that you register your name, doing so guarantees that no one else in the SCA can (legally) use it. It is far more important that you choose a name that is a good re-creation of the naming customs of some medieval culture. You can find reliable information to help you do that at the Academy of Saint Gabriel, http://www.s-gabriel.org , and particular in its Medieval Names Archive, http://www.s-gabriel.org/names . Be careful using other web resources: Almost none of them are intended as sources for accurate historical re-creation, and so the names you find there will generally '''Bold text'''not'''Bold text''' be correct.

Your [[groups|branch]] will have to register a name as well. Some types of branches often follow particular fashions in naming, e.g. [[college]]s are often named after a [[patron]] [[saint]]. This follows one of the historical models for naming colleges in medieval Europe.

''This article is just a stub. You are welcome to edit and expand upon what has been written here.''

User:Cecilyferchmadog

2005-03-25T15:41:53Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

Cecily ferch Madog is a Welshwoman from 12th century Powys (Wales), whose Norman mother had the great good sense to fall in love with a charming devil Welshman and let him steal her over the border, where they lived happily ever after.

Cecily had many adventures. She learned to do blackwork, spent time as a bard, learned ''not'' to drink whiskey (aka Evil Irish Invention Designed to Corrupt Cymru) and for several years followed the fine example of Brehines Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd of Deheubarth by fighting on the field in the Caidan Iron Brigade. Later in life, she was adopted into the household of a Spanish noble couple, Conde Cristian de Leon Rampante and Condessa Crystal Leon de Bourbon. How exactly this came about will likely baffle her for the rest of her life, but as long as the good times and mimosas keep coming, it really doesn't matter. She continues to live happily in Caid, looking very much forward to the next war.

User talk:Cecilyferchmadog

2005-03-25T15:02:05Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

Ok, hopefully this is how you do this reply thingie....

You're very welcome, Simon & thank you for the kind comments. I'm writing a historical novel set in 1141 and so I'm eating-breathing-sleeping this time period. Look for more from me as writing/life allows, especially on Wales in this period!

I just discovered this place after someone posted a link on the Caid list--it's fantastic! Why didn't somebody think of this sooner??

ces

Thank you for your edits on matilda. You certainly know your stuff.<br>
Simon Cursitor

Empress Matilda

2005-03-24T19:02:56Z

Cecilyferchmadog:

'''Matilda''' (or '''Maud''' -- the [[France|French]] form of the name) was the daughter of [[Henry I]] of [[England]], and his wife Maud/Matilda of [[Scotland]], herself daughter of [[Malcolm III]] and Margaret, daughter of Edward Atheling.

She was christened Adelaide, but adopted the name of Matilda/Maud on her marriage to Henry V, the [[Holy Roman Empire|Holy Roman]] [[Emperor]], in 1114, aged 12. The marriage was childless and after 11 years Henry died. She returned to England where her father arranged a new marriage for her, with Geoffrey of Anjou (nicknamed [[Plantagenent]]), he being all of 13 years old. They were to have three sons, Henry, who would later become [[Henry II]] of England, Geoffrey, Count of Nantes, and William, Count of Poitou.

[[Henry I]] selected Matilda as his heir, having no sons, and had the English baronage swear to support her. Unfortunately, when he died in 1135, [[King Stephen|Stephen]] of Blois was positioned just across the English Channel, and he rushed over to Winchester, where his brother was the bishop as well as guardian of the royal treasury, and had himself declared king (he had a claim to the throne through his mother, [[William the Conqueror]]'s daughter, Adela of [[Normandy]]; additionally, the English did not want Geoffrey of Anjou as king, and had no remembrance of a woman as Queen regnant).

When Stephen made his move, it was winter and Matilda was pregnant with her third son, which delayed her making an immediate response. Over the next three years Count Geoffrey attempted to pursue the matter by attacking castles held by English nobles in Normandy. Meanwhile, Stephen had begun to lose the support of some of the English nobility and offended the clergy over a number of matters. Most especially he angered his brother Bishop Henry by not supporting him for Archbishop of Canterbury when the see became vacant. Deeming it the right moment to return, Matilda and Robert of Gloucester landed a modest force near Arundel castle in September 1139. After over a year spent gathering support, Robert of Gloucester's army was able to meet Stephen in battle at Lincoln on 2 February 1141, where Stephen was defeated and captured. With the support of Bishop Henry, Matilda was shortly declared "Lady of the English" and was about to be crowned as Queen at Westminster when the citizens of London rose against her and she and all her court were forced to flee into the countryside. Several months of intense intermittent fighting followed, during which Matilda's support melted away, in part because of her high-handedness and temper. After several setbacks, as well as the town of Winchester being burnt by an exchange of fire arrows, Matilda and her forces were routed out of Winchester in mid-September 1141. Though she escaped--being forced at one point to ride astride--Robert of Gloucester and a number of her other supporters were captured, resulting in an exchange of Gloucester for Stephen a few weeks later. Though the fighting continued intermittently over the next several years, including another dramatic escape from a siege at Oxford for Matilda, concealed in a white cloak to blend in with the snow-covered countryside, it was clear that her opportunity to become Queen had been lost and attention now focused on securing the realm for her son Henry when he should be old enough. When Robert of Gloucester died in 1147, Matilda's position became even more untenable and she soon after returned to France.

However, her son [[Henry II|Henry]] had grown into a fine man, and when, in 1153, Stephen's heir, Eustace, died, Henry crossed the Channel himself, and Stephen, aged and grieving over the deaths of his son and wife, agreed, by the Treaty of Wallingford, that on his death Henry should succeed. Stephen lived another year, and Henry took the throne, as [[England]]'s first [[Plantagenet]] [[king]]. <br> His mother remained in France, and died in 1167, the daughter, wife and mother of Henry, as it were.