The Anarchy England. An illegitimate son of Henry I and the half-brother of the Empress Matilda, Robert was one of the most powerful Anglo-Norman barons, controlling estates in Normandy as well as the Earldom of Gloucester. In 1138, Robert renounced his fealty to Stephen and declared his support for Matilda, triggering a major regional rebellion in Kent and across the south-west of England, although Robert himself remained in Normandy. Matilda had not been particularly active in asserting her claims to throne since 1135 and in many ways it was Robert that took the initiative in declaring war in 1138. In France, Geoffrey
Henry I, Count of Guelders Henry I, Count of Guelders Henry I, Count of Guelders (1117–1182) was Count of Guelders from 1131 until 1182. He was a son of Gerard II of Guelders and Ermgard of Zutphen. In 1138 Hendrik inherited the County of Zutphen from his mother. Hendrik was under tremendous pressure from the Bishopric of Utrecht and the County of Holland, and was forced by Holland to negotiate a treaty with the city of Utrecht; this led to a problematic relation with the Bishop of Utrecht. In 1135 Hendrik married Agnes of Arnstein, daughter of count Louis III of Arnstein. Their daughter Adelaide