CHAPTER XVI.

REIGN OF KING STEPHEN.

Stephen of Blois--Arrival in England--His Coronation--Pope Innocent's Letter--Claims of Matilda--The Earl of Gloucester's Policy--Revolt of the Barons--The King of Scotland Invades England--The Battle of Northallerton--Outrage on the Bishops of Salisbury, Lincoln, and Ely--The Synod of Winchester--Landing of the Empress Matilda--Outbreak of Civil War--Battle at Lincoln--Defeat and Capture of Stephen--Matilda's Arrogant Behaviour--Rising of the Londoners and Flight of Matilda--London Re-occupied by the King's Adherents--Matilda Besieged in Winchester--Exchange of the Earl of Gloucester for the King--Stephen Resumes the Crown--Reign of Terror--Siege of Oxford--Flight of Matilda--Desultory Warfare--Death of the Earl of Gloucester--Stephen's Quarrel with the Church--The Interdict Removed--Further Dangers from Normandy--Divorce of Eleanor--Her Marriage with Prince Henry--Landing of Henry in England--Unpopularity of the War--Violence and Death of Eustace--Treaty Arranged between Henry and the King--Death of Stephen 167