1-157-468 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Empress Matilda escaping from the besieged Oxford Castle, 1142 (c19th century). Matilda was the wife of Henry V of Germany, daughter of Henry I of England and mother of Henry II. Stephen of Blois, Matilda's cousin, usurped the throne when Henry I died in 1135, leading to a prolonged period of civil war as Matilda fought to regain the crown.