The Empress Matilda: A Queen Betrayed?

[@patriciagodfrey6345]

I first read about Empress Matilda when I was very young and enthusiastic and ready to take on the world, and quickly found out that people who were going to be "right there" for me were not... and I would think of her. A lesson, and warning, for every woman wanting to push the traditional boundaries, even if just a bit, let alone claim a crown. Here's to Matilda! (Lifting cup of tea.)

[@lilibetp]

I've admired her for years.

[@TudorositiesbyMaureen]

👸🏼👑🫅

[@janebaxter4825]

I remember learning about Matilda at school and being so angry on her behalf. Be too mild and accommodating and it’s “Women are too weak to rule.” Be strong and assertive and it’s “She’s too arrogant and not modest enough.”

[@NolaGal2601]

100%

[@williethomas5116]

Empress Matilda was the rightful queen. She tried to rule in her own right but wisely stepped aside for her son. In doing so she secured his legacy and her own dynasty. She was willful as any man sometimes to her own detriment but if she wanted to rule in her own right then she had to be. Anything short of that would mean her greedy nobles would have sapped all the power of the throne. What a woman who led her troops against both her usurper cousins. As both Stephen and his wife also shockingly also named Matilda reneged on their promise of support and took advantage of her pregnancy to steal her throne.

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

Thanks For this! With House of the Dragón back this is perfect as Rhaenyra and the Dance were based on Matilda and the English Anarchy

[@barbehrhart]

So many Matildas and Henrys!

[@s4bombshell]

I thought the same thing when I saw a video about Matilda! If only the Empress had had a dragon back during the Anarchy…

[@VersieKilgannon]

I was literally looking for this type of comment just so I wouldn't be alone in my thoughts 😅

[@atamburlaine]

Happy to see this comment.

[@AmaraJordanMusic]

Wonderful video! I love how Henry VIII was like “women can’t rule,” because of Matilda. This is a prime example of, “Stop making it a problem and it won’t be a problem.” 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kazoolibra7322]

I love hearing this history of the Matildas. It's important English history that we don't hear enough about! She was a GREAT LADY! thank you😊❤

[@julzy3]

Thank you, Dr. Kat for a phenomenal episode on Empress Matilda and the Matilda gang. The story of Matilda escaping dressed in white in the snow right past the enemy is a favorite. 👸❄👑

[@vikkiwinfield1377]

Agree! I had heard about an escape in a coffin as well. Dr. Kat did not mention it so maybe it’s not true.

[@ozelhassan8576]

I’ve always loved history but when I was a child in the eighties and nineties there was a fantastic tv programme called Cadfael, this show greatly influenced me and I still watch these episodes today, the fictitious Character Cadfael played by Derek Jacobi was a Welsh Benedictine monk at Shrewsbury Abbey at this time in history and how did I love it, so much so I wanted to be a monk, this didn’t happen btw I have fond memories of this tv programme, it’s based on a book written by the amazing mind of Edith Pargeter, pen name Ellis Peters.

[@elizabethdibble5159]

Agreed, love the books and the show. Sir Derek is one of my favorite actors.

[@monicacall7532]

Same here.

[@irena4545]

I'm currently re-reading the books 🙂

[@kellyblaxton3189]

I'm in America and I loved that show!

[@historybuff7491]

I love this time period, and mostly like Empress Matilda. I have thought about it often, and I honestly think that Matilda thought she would be Queen in her own right. She had a kingly bloodline. She had over 10 years training as an Empress, and she had her father's blessing and the nobles' oaths. When all that failed, she put forward her son. I think Henry VIII used this as an excuse, because, like Matilda, his daughter would only be the 3rd generation after a conquest.

[@bethmakesmagic]

Between this and the passing of Donald Sutherland the universe says it's time for a Pillars of the earth rewatch.

[@--enyo--]

I really like the original book series.

[@ingridgeertsema1315]

Yes!!!

[@elizabethdibble5159]

@@--enyo--I wrote to Ken Follett and he wrote me back! Did you know he has a cameo in the show?

[@suemcgregor9248]

I loved that book

[@MaesterTori]

That book is the reason I have a strict "don't start a new book at bedtime" rule. Picked it up and suddenly it was past 1 am and I was 200 some-odd pages in, having started just before 10 pm 😅

[@anweshabiswas1483]

Empress Matilda - The matriarch of the Plantaganets ❤❤❤❤

[@donaldwesterhazy9333]

Eremburga of Maine, mother of Geoffrey Plantagenet, is a better choice for the title "..,matriarch of the Plantaganets [sic]."

[@anweshabiswas1483]

@@donaldwesterhazy9333 oh ! I never heard about her

[@Anna-xx1lv]

I look at Empress Matilda holding that title. Without her there would have never been a Plantagenet dynasty in England. The claim came from Matilda! ❤️

[@anweshabiswas1483]

@@Anna-xx1lv Absolutely

[@johnmclaughlin4817]

Excellent video, Dr. Kat! Matilda has intrigued me for years. I took a Medieval England History class many years ago. The professor spent a lot of time on the War of the Two Matildas. I, also, enjoyed Sharon Kay Penman's historical novel "When Christ and All His Saints Slept".

[@Laramaria2]

No wonder this inspired George R R Martin to write the Dance of the Dragons, the Anarchy is very interesting and so is Empress Matilda!

[@veryberry39]

Well, now I know how House of the Dragon ends.😂 I was feeling a tiiiiiny bit of fomo because I don't have Netflix, but now I don't need it! (Seriously though, great video! I wish you'd been around as a teacher when I was in school. I mean I loved history anyway, but having an enthusiastic teacher means SO much!)

[@vlmellody51]

I first learned about the Empress Mathilda as Queen Maud in Ellis Peters' Cadfael books. Peters definitely took Stephen's side. 👑👑👑👑👑

[@Szyq003]

Perfect timing for this video! Just yesterday, I was watching a clip, focussing on asking people who was the first queen of England? Matilda was in the running, I found that I didn’t know nearly enough about her. The other queens that were talked about were of course queen Mary, Lady Jane, who I like to call Queen Jane, I think she deserves that after everything she went through, given that she didn’t want the job in the first place.

[@Bobrogers99]

The same clip piqued my interest in Matilda!

[@judyshoaf448]

This is a period and set of characters I have researched myself. I admire the way you keep the focus on Matilda while getting in so many other characters and incidents (but leaving out some, so that I said to KZbin, "but what about William?" etc., but then realized he didn't belong in the story you were telling).

[@yvonnehook275]

Thanks for the enlightening and informative video. I see Empress Matilda treated so differently in histories and fiction. It’s nice to cut through all the patriarchal nonsense. 👑

[@1234cheerful]

I remember reading about her in the book Seven Queens of England (followup to Seven Kings of England) back in the 1970s butnever running Cross anything about her. Thanks for giving us a fascinating story.

[@happygrandma5637]

I first heard about Matilda when reading the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters. I always thought she had been done wrong. Hard to believe that at that time a sworn oath didn't mean much, easy to believe it was that men didn't think a woman should rule. Good episode, I learned a great deal.

[@AldWitch]

I have wondered what would have happened if Matilda had simply been accepted and crowned. Stephen would still have succeeded so it might have made not have made a difference for many years, but the principle that a daughter could inherit the throne would have been established. would that have applied to the aristocracy as well as the monarchy? or to the laws of inheritance? or women's suffrage? 👑⚔

[@ReadingthePast]

I think Matilda would have held the throne (at minimum) until her son Henry reached his majority. As to what her unchallenged rule might have altered in the historical timeline… that’s a very interesting thought experiment!! Would Henry VIII have been so anxious about having no legitimate son? If he wasn’t, what might that have meant for the Reformation etc?

[@mesamies123]

​@@ReadingthePastMatilda was wronged because of patriarchy. I wonder if Henry VIII's Mother had a much more legitimate claim to the throne than her husband had, but, again, patriarchy. 👸❤

[@gailla]

This is the clearest and most complete history of Matilda I’ve ever heard. Thank you Dr Kat! 👑❤️

[@rhiannonpoole6019]

I would appreciate more videos about this early time period, though I realise sources are fewer. But what a feistly character she was, and you brought that out well. Thank you!

[@TikiHi77]

I have been fascinated by Matilda for years. I just love her. Of course, I always feel I don't know enough about her, Stephen, and just that time period in general. 👸 Can you do a video on Heinrich?

[@alicia.mckenny]

What an absolutely fascinating woman Empress Matilda was! All hail the queen!👸👑 Have you ever done a video on Eleanor of Aquitaine? If not, I would love to hear you speak on yet another fierce, determined woman.

[@diannerj896]

I learned about Matilda after learning she was one of my ancestors. I very much admire the point that she did not give up. ⚔️👑👸🏻

[@lorimcosh2331]

I’ve always been in awe of Matilda and the strength she showed while living with such difficult constraints

[@joannebollhofer-white3095]

The war between Empress Matilda and King Stephen was a subtext in the Brother Cadfael series by Ellis Peters. This video helped flesh out some of what was written.👑

[@ingridgeertsema1315]

Empress Matilda was simply badass during a time when men ruled all. In today's world she would have been regarded as a beacon and an inspiration, and I think she would be pleased knowing she is still remembered - and revered - after all this time. Thank you for an awesome video!

[@dorian4534]

I first became fascinated with Empress Maud in the 90s while watching Cadfael. A fascination that has not ceased since. 👑

[@monicacall7532]

I had the same experience.

[@missilotze2985]

Ive been waiting eagerly for this one! Gotta love Empress Matilda!❤

[@andrewlewis9231]

the story of Matilda as the 'White Queen' was one which instilled a love of history in my life when a child. also, one of my favourite tv series was Cadfael - which is set during this time. Loved the programme and your entire series,. Keep up the good work!

[@tildisrabarberblad9816]

This period is so much more interesting than 16th, 17th and 18th centuries! I'd like to hear a bit more about Monmouth, actually. Why did he side with Stephen?👑📜⚔

[@Siansonea]

👑Always love learning about Matilda and the Angevin dynasty. Great stuff as always!

[@animallover6645]

I think his fear was a bit justified cause look what happened at the end, Elizabeth the 1st was a good Queen, but she had no heirs to leave the throne to and at the end a cousin got the throne. The way he went about it was bad cause if he just kept Mary as his heir, she maybe would have been able to have children to pass it too.

[@ginnieplato2871]

I have been an American Anglophile for a couple of decades now, but this was the deepest dive I have come across regarding Mathilda. There is SO much available on the Henry VII-Elizabeth I (Tudor;) period, but I have recently become more interested in tracing roots back to earlier centuries. Thank you Dr. Kat. I have dabbled in your wealth of videos before, but feel like I hit pure gold by seeing just how many I have yet to enjoy!! Your research, knowledge and presentation skills are greatly appreciated. YOU are a 👑 in my esteem!

[@gr8flyerfan]

Years ago I read a novel titled "When Christ and His Saints Slept", which dealt with this topic and Queen Matilda in particular. Fascinating subject! 👸

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

I ABSOLUTELY loved this video. 👑 So interesting and informative. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Very much appreciated. 👑 🙂🐿🌈❤️ ------------- P.s I zoomed in on Chip sitting there on your shelf. This then led to quite a rousing rendition of Be Our Guest, before returning back here to watch the rest of your wonderful video. Yes, perhaps I should have waited until after the video was done, but I know myself well enough to know that if I hadn’t done that, I’d be totally distracted by Chip and unable to concentrate, thinking about Belle, Chip, Lumière, Mrs Potts and trying to remember all of the lyrics to the song Be Our Guest. ❤

[@cindchan]

I first came across her name when I got into Cadfael back in the '90's. She never appeared in the series (though Stephen showed up in one story), but she was often mentioned in the course of the series. I always found her to be an interesting woman! 👑🏰👩‍👧

[@Kellyc888]

The deadpan “How very dare she” took me out! 😂

[@loriar1027]

I guess it's not too surprising that she was betrayed given the attitudes towards women at the time. At least she got her son on the throne and secured her succession. As a side note, I have long been a fan of the fictional book series Cadfael, which takes place in England at this exact time in history. The fighting between Stephen and the Empress Mathilde makes a constant backdrop to the mystery stories that play out.

[@Jo-pp7yj]

She should have been Queen. 👑

[@TikiHi77]

I still count her as Queen.

[@Sdragnasty]

Love when I know nothing 😅 - thank you Dr Kat & Co🎉

[@BTScriviner]

I first heard of Empress Matilda, also called Empress Maud, in a historical novel, and I've been fascinated by her since. She and Eleanor of Aquitaine were amazing medieval queens. I always find it interesting that apparently, women could be accepted as regents but not queens regnant. 👑

[@laurac8533]

Really enjoyed this video and very timely as the story if House of the Dragon, which has just started its second season, was very much inspired by the Anarchy! Not hard to see the parallels👸🏼🐲

[@LaLayla99]

I enjoy learning more about the earlier Queens. I can't remember if you've talked about Eleanor of Aquitane, but I'd love a video on her as well. 👸🏰

[@ladonnaradney3466]

Hurray for Matilda! 👑 Thank you, Dr. Kat! 📚🎓 Wonderful material, thoughtfully presented, as always

[@user-iz6cc6lz3j-Vickie]

I am reading Sharon Kay penman’s book when Christ and the saints slept. Poor Matilda after her first husband died she had a turbulent life. Matilda, Margaret of Anjou Eleanor of Aquitaine, Isabella of France all fascinate me. All strong women in difficult lives. Were they ever happy. All their husbands did they ever love these women. Poor Isabella and Margaret had especially difficult marriages. These women are remembered more so than a huge majority of queens because their husbands were so difficult. Fascinating women.

[@lizziejsfoulon3624]

👑Go Matilda! What an incredible life, thank you for filling me in a little more.

[@tracik1277]

Henry’s face made me laugh. He looks particularly disgruntled, like when you ask for coffee and when you taste it it’s tea 🫤

[@Raven_Nivhaar]

Empress Matilda is one of my favorite historical figures. 👑 She is usually excluded along with Lady Jane Grey from any kind of queenly lineup which is so sad to me. I have to wonder how the people of England would have treated her had Stephen not effed it up? Would they have welcomed her like Germany had?

[@emilyking9558]

I first learned of this from Ken follet but your video is much more informative

[@angelairidescenceartglass6289]

Every Queen Regnant of England has been a descendant of Empress Matilda. Her legacy lives on. 👸👑 And because I was taught to “show my work”: Catherine of Valois - paternal grandmother of Henry VII was a descendant of Empress Matilda. (Matilda - Henry II - Eleanor of England, Queen of Castile - Blanche of Castile, Queen of France - Louis IX - Phillip III - Charles, Count of Valois - Phillip VI - John II - Charles V - Charles VI - Catherine of Valois).

[@jirvine00]

I only knew of Matilda from the Brother Cadfael books so very interesting to learn more

[@janebaker966]

Another fab video.🎉 Right from a little kid ive been a fan of Matilda,"The Lady of The English". I was always a bit hazy on her husbands so ive learned a lot,that explains a lot,from this film. It seems to me that a level headed and competent nature was enhanced by a good education and having been an Empress for so long no wonder she had a sense of her status and dignity. When I did my family history some years back i found out i an a distant descendant of her brother Robert of Gloucester (as are thousands of other people of courrse) but i always felt a sense of connection to Matilda. Robert of Gloucester was Henry I's favourite illegitimate son. He had all the qualities for a regal son + heir,he was great at strategy and battles,good with money, and picking wise people to look after his,he knew how to behave in courts and around powerful people and i love that he was so loyal to his sister. He built Bristol castle,said to have been the biggest castle here and i was born and live in Bristol but for hundreds of years none of my ancestors did,so maybe a wheel has come full circle.

[@gaylesuggs8523]

Thanks for the informative video. Earlier this year, my husband and I enjoyed watching the miniseries "The Pillars of the Earth" and Matilda (Queen Maud) is one of the characters in that show. It was quite enjoyable, but it is always nice to learn the actual history from you. 👑🏰🏇

[@gwynwellliver4489]

I read Penman's "While Christ and His Saints Slept" years ago, so now you have inspired me to finish the sieres while on vacation tion.

[@ElliotOracle]

👑 I adore your videos Dr. Kat. I find Empress Matilda fascinating. Would you consider doing a video on Joan of Acre? She was the daughter of Edward the 1st and has a fascinating story having also defied a “man’s world” and her father for love. ❤️ Not enough is out there about her.

[@suzannehall5200]

This was absolutely engrossing. I am really enjoying your videos about the Middle Ages. I hope you do more in the future.

[@Myke_OBrien]

Fascinating. I knew the name, but never really knew that much about her. Brava! 👸

[@dawnmuse6481]

I admit I allowed a fictionalized account of Matilda to skew my opinion of her as arrogant bossy and unsympathetic to anyone else’s needs or rights. Thank you Dr. Kat for rebalancing my point of view!👑

[@bettinapartridge3434]

Dr Kat could you recommend a non fiction book on Matilda of England? Loved this episode!

[@cmcg9035]

Thanks for the video on this strong lady. 👑🏇

[@loiskondo8349]

I love hearing about English history! Thank you Dr. Kat for making this so interesting 😊

[@pams4557]

👸 Empress Matilda. Thank you for the information.

[@jackieheidorn5875]

I first learned of this era in history watching the PBS series "Brother Cadfael" staring Sir Derek Jacobi. Fascinating. She was vindicated.

[@tammytellmetrue]

This was another great video. I’ve learned from this.💆‍♀️

[@mattmanglos2179]

This period would make a bloody fantastic tele series!

[@m_martha_e]

👑 Fantastic presentation and analysis

[@JerryMcNiff]

👑Fascinating life -- thanks for covering!

[@jacobhanson4391]

Yay!!!!! Finally!!!! My favorite Queen!!!!

[@teleology60]

Loved this video - very balanced and informative - thank you. 👸

[@frankpaiz5657]

Thank you ⚜️⚜️👸

[@jacobhanson4391]

Victory for the Empress and Lady of England!!! Loved the video. 👸🏻

[@karensilvera6694]

I also think she's been unrated. IMO she was the first queen of England and the mother of an entire English era - the Plantagenets. I admire her too. So brave!

[@salomealhusami594]

Would it be safe to assume that Dr. Kat is a fan of House of the Dragon, and since the show released its premier episode last week, she was inspired to make this week's video about Empress Matilda?! 😉😊

[@Elvertaw]

Thanks for this. My introduction to the empress. Matilda is very limited. This video gave me a more rounded explanation as to what was going on. And why she was trying to become the ruler of England. There are very few magnificent women out there, at least ones that we know of. She is one. If you have any more information on her, I would really appreciate another video.

[@madelinevanderbunny607]

Thanks!

[@kerriemckinstry-jett8625]

I'm currently reading the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters. This is the historical background for the series! 😊

[@southernwanderer7912]

I've always loved the history of this time period. Of course, the White Ship accident and loss of the male heir became the basis of the fictional book "The Pillars of the Earth," with the fight between Stephen and Matilda effecting a monastery that was building a cathedral, which was more historical fascination to me.

[@pennyatkinson5740]

❤ So interesting,thank you⚔️👑🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@BeeKool__113]

What a wise and strong woman!! 💪👑

[@danisarmi30]

My first contact with Mathilda was with Monarchs Anonymous. I really miss that show

[@bobbyb8335]

🫅 Well done, as usual!

[@barkingsquirrel7166]

Yet another superb video! 👑🐝🏵🐞🏵🐝👑

[@kathleengray6639]

Dr Kat I love your lectures!

[@cynthiasloan3867]

Fascinating story👑

[@historybuff7491]

I have often wondered by Henry could not see the bigger picture when it came to an heir/male heir. Had he married Mary, even at a normal age of 16 to 18 years, she could easily have had a son, or multiple sons, by the time he died, and passed the throne to that son. I guess he couldn't risk Mary having the same trouble with children as her mother. Also, his own ego would not let him believe he couldn't have a legitimate son.

[@arcola44]

Great comment! Henry I and Matilda played the long game. Henry VIII let his ego get in the way of his dynasty.

[@grtlyblesd]

That’s a good point. I don’t think H8 had the strategic mind of H7. He should have set Mary up with a beneficial husband and got her breeding while she was young-before she was so tragically unable. After all, if he had sons, they would obviously come before her children anyway, so it wouldn’t take anything away from him. Kind of a back up insurance.

[@cosgroveshepherd191]

OMG, I knew none of this. I thought Queens in those days just sewed tapestries and died in childbirth. She was seriously badass. It's a bit strange, you could so see Princess Anne doing that and Princess Charlotte would take no prisoners too!

[@VivReuss-oz1dj]

I wonder which crown 👑was bigger, as empress 👰‍♀️ or queen. 👸

[@catherinewood948]

Clear and well presented

[@christina1wilson]

I went looking for a yellow flower emoji. If I remember right, the Plantagenets got their name from a little yellow flower

[@Thepourdeuxchanson]

I think Plantagenet means goose foot.

[@lesleybennett8837]

👸 great video - really enjoyed it!

[@sondrarapoport7233]

I love your content.❤

[@bonnielbailey]

👑 Interesting as always 😊

[@juliewhiles7390]

another fab video 👑

[@kaloarepo288]

The name "Mathilda" I believe has martial connotations and a number of prominent medieval women bore it - one who is very well known in continental Europe is Mathilda of Canossa who is reputed to have personally led armies in the field on the side of the papal armies against the emperor Henry IV., Mathilda of Canossa was related to the emperor Henry IV and was actually raised alongside him in Germany but became enemies later on. Empress Mathilda was the widow of emperor Henry V the son of Henry IV. The two Mathilda's may have known each other at one stage.

[@annkelly0072]

Wonderful discussion!

[@dianecummings7922]

Matilda was amazing, almost ahead of her time. Strong, smart & wiley!

[@MarianWoods-y9c]

👸 Thanks for an interesting video.