The Queens of Conflict
Exploring ‘Women of the Anarchy’ by Sharon Bennett Connolly
For readers seeking a fresh perspective on this pivotal period in history, and more specifically the women that shaped it, "Women of the Anarchy" by Sharon Bennett Connolly is a must-read.
The effects of the Anarchy, a 19 year period in which 12th century England saw an almost total breakdown in law and order, left a lasting impact on the country that would reverberate down the centuries. It’s a conflict worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster and has been the subject of significant discussion amongst historians; however, too rarely are the stories of the women – the wives, mothers, sisters and Queen’s – that dared to blaze a trail of their own in this bloody conflict given centre stage.
Until now. Through her meticulous research and engaging narrative, Sharon Bennett Connolly expertly recounts the Anarchy through the lense of the women at the heart of it. Amidst the ambitions of men stood their equally ambitious female counterparts and Connolly does an exceptional job of demonstrating how, far from being passive petticoated damsels, these formidable women led armies, besieged castles, negotiated peace and evaded capture in the most dangerous of circumstances in a bid to secure power.
An emotive description of the White Ship disaster of November 1120 sets the scene for these dramatic events to unfold, in which Henry I's son William Aetheling is tragically drowned. Empress Matilda remained as King Henry I’s last legitimate heir and is declared as much. As the young wife of the Holy Roman Emperor, Matilda’s life was now promptly set on a new path in which she would have to fight to claim her right to the throne. Opposing her stood Queen Matilda of Boulogne, the wife of King Stephen who usurped the throne after Henry I's death.
Throughout the book, Connolly captures the volatility and fragility of power in this period, neatly dividing the complexities of the Anarchy into digestible chunks. We are adeptly lead through the background and lineage of the opposing sides and informed of formidable mothers and grandmothers like Matilda of Flanders, Saint Margaret of Scotland, Matilda of Scotland and Adeliza of Louvain. The indomitable strength and influence of these women provided not only a claim to the throne for their successors, but showed the two Matilda’s how to rule and rule well in their husbands’ absence.
One of the book's strengths lies in the author's ability to distinguish between all the various Matilda’s, a feat I must admit having evaded my own capabilities until now. Connolly navigates the medieval labyrinth of names with ease, distinguishing Empress Matilda from Queen Matilda, or Matilda of Scotland et al. without detracting from the uniqueness of each woman, or giving in to the too-often sated temptation of substituting true names to placate the modern readers understanding.
Connolly's retelling of the War of the Two Matilda's showcases the power and leadership of two women that defied societal norms by leading armies against each other. It highlights their tenacity and drive to overcome the gender stereotypes of their time, paving the way for others. In fact, Connolly goes on to introduce us to new characters of the conflict - like Ada de Warenne, Isabel de Vermandois, Lucy Countess of Chester, Ela de Talvas - who set powerful examples, paving the way for later beacons of feminine strength in that all time favourite, Eleanor of Aquitaine, who also features in the book.
"Women of the Anarchy" is therefore a compelling read that sheds light on the overlooked yet influential women of 12th century England. It provides a fresh and gripping perspective on the part these women played in dictating the course of the Anarchy and is highly recommended. I would like to extend my gratitude to Amberley Publishing for providing a copy of "Women of the Anarchy" for review.