White Ship Wrecked: The British Anarchy Period, 1135

In the year 1120, the sinking of the White Ship off the Normandy coast marked a pivotal turning point in English history. On board was William Adelin, the sole legitimate son and heir of King Henry I of England. Tragically, the vessel struck a submerged rock shortly after departing from Barfleur, causing it to sink. Despite rescue efforts, including attempts to save the heir to the throne, most passengers perished in the icy waters of the English Channel.

The death of William Adelin disrupted the English succession. With no apparent heir and lacking a strong male heir, King Henry I sought to secure the throne for his daughter Matilda. However, his passing in 1135 triggered a bitter civil war known as The Anarchy. This conflict saw Matilda contend against her cousin Stephen of Blois, who claimed the throne with the backing of numerous nobles.

The Anarchy, lasting from 1135 to 1153, plunged England into a period of political instability, lawlessness, and feudal warfare. It was characterized by shifting allegiances, brutal sieges, and devastation across the realm as both sides vied for control. The sinking of the White Ship and the subsequent Anarchy had profound implications for English governance and succession practices, influencing royal politics for generations to come.

As a collection of prominent English political hopefuls, advisors, and allies from all sides, you are responsible for navigating this succession crisis to secure the throne. To do so, you must balance a desire for personal power with the security of the empire, as carrying on with political infighting for too long could leave the British Empire vulnerable to outside threats. Whether you decide to support Matilda, Stephen, or an unknown entity in their quest for the monarchy, you will need to act with both diplomacy and cunning as you forge alliances, negotiate power, and navigate the complex political and social climate of the time.