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Stephen's masterstroke was his speedily arranged coronation. Once God had made him King, no man, let alone a woman, could undo it. Stephen's kingship had taken effect in the moment he was anointed with holy oil. But in that instant also lay the seeds of civil war. Two different forms of royal legitimacy now stood in opposition to one another. Matilda was the only legitimate child of the previous King and the nobles had sworn allegiance to her as his heir. But Stephen had just been anointed and crowned as Henry's successor. Victory for one now meant defeat for the other. Stephen might have God on his side, but he needed people too. He couldn't rule without the support of the powerful nobles. It was a balancing act. They would help the King keep order in the Kingdom and defend it from attack if he offered leadership and security. |
