第五章
Chapter V covers the crisis of Stephen’s reign in 1138, beginning with the defeat of the Scottish invasion at the Battle of the Standard (Cowton Moor), the erosion of loyalty among the English barons, and culminating in the general rising led by Earl Robert of Gloucester.…
The Defeat of the Scots and Eustace Fitz-John
The defeat of the Scots at the Battle of the Standard was shared by the English baron Eustace Fitz-John, who had brought them into the land.…
Stephen’s Weakness and Lack of Confidence
Between Stephen and the barons there had always been a total lack of confidence, rooted in the fact that both had broken earlier obligations sworn to Matilda and her son.…
Stephen’s Policy of Makeshift
Stephen’s weakness manifested itself in a policy of makeshift that betrayed his uneasiness and increased his difficulties.…
The Creation of New Earldoms
Stephen’s next expedient was the creation of new earldoms for those he regarded as his especial friends, hoping to build an aristocracy wholly devoted to himself.…
Debasement of the Coinage and Spoliation
With the Crown’s revenues already insufficient for Stephen’s own needs, the next steps were the debasement of the coinage and the arbitrary spoliation of those he mistrusted, the…
Stephen’s Restless Activity
Stephen flew “hither and thither,” but his restless activity accomplished nothing against his enemies while doing great harm to himself.…
Quarrel with Earl Robert of Gloucester
Matters were made worse by Stephen’s relations with Earl Robert of Gloucester, the one man best placed to influence baronial policy.…
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