STEPHEN

(c. 1097-1154), king of England; s. of Adela, William I.’s dau., and Count of Blois; succe fully claimed throne in opposition to Matilda, Henry L’s dau., 1135; waged war against Matilda for several years; taken prisoner, 1141; on release, succe fully besieged Oxford, 1142; Matilda gave up struggle, 1147; her s. Henry acknowledged as Stephen’s heir, 1153.