After the death of King Henry I of England, the royal succession was thrown into disarray, primarily because Henry had failed to produce a male heir. Despite the appointment of his daughter, Empress Matilda, as his successor, the political landscape favored her cousin, Stephen of Blois. Claiming the throne merely three weeks after Henry's death, Stephen took decisive action by privately crowning himself King of England, a move that sidestepped Matilda and discontented many loyal to her claim. The coronation took place in England, likely at Westminster Abbey, a location deeply tied to royal ceremonials. The pivotal nature of this event brought about immediate tension among the nobility, as factions formed between those loyal to Stephen and those advocating Matilda’s claim.

The consequences of Stephen's rushed coronation rippled through the English countryside. The ensuing power struggle quickly devolved into chaos, as regional lords and barons seized the opportunity to assert their own dominance and influence, leading to a period of violent confrontations and shifting allegiances. This era, later termed the English Anarchy, was marked by civil disorder and brutal skirmishes, reflecting the instability and lack of a settled government. Eventually, this conflict would continue for over a decade, resulting in severe socio-political consequences and a reconfiguration of power dynamics within England. Stephen's reign faced continuous challenges from Matilda and her supporters, and the landscape of English nobility would never be the same.

The English Anarchy set a significant historical precedent regarding royal succession and the implications of disputed claims. It not only highlighted the fragility of monarchical power following a king's death but also paved the way for future legal reforms and changes in governance. The conflict questioned the nature of legitimacy and authority, resonating through English political thought for centuries to come.