Event Type: HA

Takes Place: 18th July 2024

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Online

Description: We are pleased to welcome Sharon Bennett Connolly to the HA Virtual Branch this July. In her talk Connolly discusses how in 1135 Stephen of Blois usurped the throne, stealing it from his cousin Empress Matilda and sparking a nineteen-year civil war that would become known as the Anarchy, one of the bloodiest periods in English history. On the one side is Empress Matilda. On the other side is her cousin, Queen Matilda, supporting her husband, Stephen, and fighting to see her own son inherit the English crown. Both women are granddaughters of St Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and descendants of Alfred the Great of Wessex. Empress Matilda was the first woman to claim the throne of England in her own right but did not gain the support of the barons. When Queen Matilda’s husband King Stephen was captured by the Empress’s forces, it was down to her to keep the fight going, and to negotiate for her husband’s release. Women of the Anarchy is based on the book of the same name and seeks to demonstrate how these women, unable to wield a sword, were prime movers in this time of conflict and lawlessness. Sharon Bennett Connolly is the best-selling author of several non-fiction history books, A Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, Sharon has studied history academically and just for fun – and has even worked as a tour guide at a castle. She also writes the popular history blog, History the Interesting Bits and co-hosts the podcast A Slice of Medieval, alongside historical novelist Derek Birks. Sharon regularly gives talks on women's history.

How to book: Book via Zoom link below

Price: Free and open to all. A recording of the talk will be made available to HA members.

Website: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8ZfKV1PzRIC9dfF9pK4Csg

Organiser: HA

Lecturer: Sharon Bennett Connolly