Plantagenet Chronicles

Henry's succession

Henry won his final victory in England because the great barons were increasingly reluctant to fight a decisive battle -- whichever side won, a massive confiscation of property would undoubtedly follow. When Stephen and Henry finally faced each other across the Thames at Wallingford in 1153, there was general pressure on Stephen to acknowledge Henry as king of England.

Stephen had quarrelled with the archbishop of Canterbury in 1147, and the Church ever since had refused to confirm his son, Eustace, as his heir. Meanwhile, as a result of Henry's successes in France, and the steady support he enjoyed in England, allegiances has slowly drifted his way; by 1153, great barons like Earl Robert of Leicester were ostensibly on Stephen's side, but in practice had done secret deals with Henry.

Stephen had no choice but to come to an agreement with Henry, who was able to leave England confident that he was everywhere accepted at its next king.

eleanorhenry
In 1152 Henry and Eleanor, pictured here in a windo in Poitiers Cathedral, were married. A year later, Henry met Stephen at Wallingford.
wallingford
Wallingford, originally built by Alfred where the Ridgeway crosses the River Thames, was one of the most important towns in England. Stephen and Henry met here in 1153 when Eustace, Stephen's son, was already dead. Stephen remained king, acknowledging Henry as his successor; a year later he was dead. Henry was to give the town considerable privileges for the help it provided for his forces in 1153.