Empress Matilda

Holy Roman Empress (1114–1125); claimant to the English throne

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Matilda was a noblewoman of the 12th century who held the title of Holy Roman Empress during her marriage (1114–1125) and later claimed the right to rule England, making her a significant figure in medieval European politics. Her claim to the English throne was important because it led to a major civil conflict and influenced the course of English royal succession during this turbulent period.

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Empress Matilda (c. 7 February 1102 – 10 September 1167), also known as Empress Maud, was Holy Roman Empress as the consort of Emperor Henry V from 1110 until his death in 1125, and was subsequently a claimant to the English throne, and Lady of the English, during the civil war known as the Anarchy. Following the death of her father, King Henry I of England, as his only surviving child and nominated heir, she asserted her right to the English throne. However, her cousin Stephen of Blois usurped the crown.

Matilda was the eldest child and only surviving daughter of Henry I of England and his first wife, Matilda of Scotland. As a child, she went to Germany where she was married to the future Henry V. She travelled with the emperor to Italy in 1116, was controversially crowned empress in St Peter's Basilica, and acted as the imperial regent in Italy. Matilda and Henry V had no children, and when he died in 1125, his rival Lothair of Supplinburg claimed the imperial crown.