the anarchy

As the youngest son of William the Conqueror, Henry I was not likely to become king. Nevertheless, he outlived, outfought, or outwitted his older brothers to become the king of England in 1100 CE. Henry proved to be a master politician—but then his demise plunged England into a civil war.

Henry I, England's unlikeliest monarch, changed the country forever—yet few people know this ruthless king's dark history.

Henry I, England's unlikeliest monarch, changed the country forever—yet few people know this ruthless king's dark history.

The Anarchy Facts. Before the English Civil War and the Wars of the Roses, England was torn apart by the bloodshed and chaos of "The Anarchy."

Henry I, England's unlikeliest monarch, changed the country forever—yet few people know this ruthless king's dark history.

Many medieval armies were stacked high with groups of ruthless mercenaries. These groups, the free companies, were both cunning and horrifically brutal.