2-376-509 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Henry of Anjou and Stephen confer across the Thames, 1153 (1864). Henry of Anjou (1133-1189) and Stephen of Blois (1096-1154) confer across the Thames about the rightful heir to the throne and agree a truce. A grandson of William the Conqueror, Stephen usurped the English throne after the death of Henry I. Matilda of England, Henry's daughter, also claime the throne, prompting a civil war, in which Stephen eventually emerged victorious. Henry of Anjou was Matilda's eldest son, and although she gave up her attempts to take the throne in 1147, Henry retained ambitions of securing the crown. In 1153 he invaded England and the following year was able to persuade Stephen to sign the Treaty of Wallingford, which enabled Stephen to retain the crown until his death, but made Henry his successor.