William of Ypres to the English throne following Henry I's death in 1135 finally changed William's fortunes for the better. He commanded Stephen's troops against the forces of their cousin, Henry's daughter Empress Matilda, who claimed the throne. Many of the soldiers were William's fellow Flemings, including his brother. Stephen's campaign in Normandy failed because the local noblemen refused to co-operate with William and other Flemings. William was much more active in England, where he took part in the Battle of Lincoln (1141), during which Stephen was captured by the Empress's forces. William led his contingent away when it became clear that the
Bagrat I of Abkhazia Bagrat I of Abkhazia Bagrat I () was the King of Abkhazia between 882 and 894. He was the second son of Demetrius II of the Anchabadze dynasty. After the usurper John Shavliani seized the throne Bagrat fled to Constantinople and lived there for some time until he returned to Abkhazia in 887/888. He deposed and put to death Adarnase Shavliani (the son of John Shavliani) and reclaimed the throne. Then he married to the daughter of Guaram Bagrationi, the ruler of Tao-Klarjeti and had a son Constantine who succeeded him to the throne of Abkhazia. Bagrat supported his brother-in-law,