The Bishops and the Crown during the Reign of King Stephen of England (1135–54)

The reign of King Stephen, a tumultuous time in English history, was a formative period for the bishops of England, as they strove to carve out a role for themselves. This thesis explores how the bishops in the dioceses of York, Hereford, and London asserted their authority during this period. In particular, this thesis argues that during Stephen’s reign, bishops were evolving into a distinct class, needing to negotiate with several competing groups in society, not only the Crown, to exercise their influence.