History Extra | 21 February 2019 | 0h 30m | Listen Later | iTunes
Interview with Catherine Hanley, author of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior. Tells the story of Empress Matilda, the daughter of Henry I, whose battle with Stephen for the English throne in the 12th century became known as ‘the anarchy’. Suggests Matilda wielded power more effectively than acknowledged by period chroniclers unable to accept a woman as ruler.