2-376-508 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Matilda is permitted to retire from Arundel, Sussex, 1139 (1864). Matilda (1102-1167), the daughter of Henry I of England, is permitted by Stephen of Blois (1096-1154) to leave Arundel castle and escorted, under the safeguard of the legate, to the outposts of the Earl of Gloucester. Stephen usurped the throne when Henry died in 1135, provoking a civil war as he and Matilda fought over the crown.