# Empress Matilda: Civil War and the Fight for the Throne

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-history-1365765/empress-matilda-civil-war-and-the-fight-for-the-throne
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-history-1365765/empress-matilda-civil-war-and-the-fight-for-the-throne.md
Podcast: [The Rest Is History](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-rest-is-history-1365765)
Published: 2026-05-19T23:05:00+00:00
Episode link: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT3399401666.mp3
Audio file: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT3399401666.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-rest-is-history-1365765/episodes/empress-matilda-civil-war-and-the-fight-for-the-throne
Duration seconds: 2595

## Resource

How did Matilda, princess of England, become Empress of the Holy Roman Empire in 1110? What disbarred her from becoming queen of England after her father's death? And, why did she go to battle for the throne of England, in the brutal civil war known as The Anarchy? In this new member’s-only mini series, Tom is joined by historian and author Helen Castor, to talk about some of the most impressive queens of medieval Europe. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at the⁠⁠restishistory.com⁠⁠. To read our new newsletter, sign up at: ⁠⁠therestishistory.com/newsletters⁠⁠ _______ Advertise with us: ⁠Partnerships@goalhanger.com⁠ _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek, Harry Swan + Adam Thornton Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Senior Producer: Callum Hill Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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## Transcript

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