Stephen, King of England supporting the rebels in their campaign against the royal army, which included a number of Matilda's supporters such as Robert of Gloucester. Many of these barons had taken an oath to stay in Normandy until the late king was properly buried, which prevented them from returning to England. Stephen's elder brother Theobald was further south still, in Blois. Stephen, however, was in Boulogne, and when news reached him of Henry's death he left for England, accompanied by his military household. Robert of Gloucester had garrisoned the ports of Dover and Canterbury and some accounts suggest that they refused Stephen access
Warleigh House are Grade II listed. The red brick dovecote to the east of the main house dates from the early 18th century and is Grade II listed. The boat house to the south west of the house was built c.1800 in the Gothic style, and is Grade II listed. During the reign of King Stephen (1135–1154) Warleigh and the manor of Tamerton were held by Sampson Foliot. Risdon states: His descendant Robert Foliot is stated by Pole to have held Warleigh and Tamerton in 1242, during the reign of King Henry III, and to have left an only daughter and sole