[2] However, when Henry died in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois crossed the Channel from Boulogne to England and claimed the throne.
[7] The ensuing civil war lasted until 6 November 1153[8] when, by the Treaty of Wallingford, Stephen recognised Matilda's son Henry as heir to the throne.
[17] In the darkness, Stephen escaped from the burning abbey[16] while his steward William Martel fought a rearguard action to delay the pursuers.
[19] King Stephen surrendered Sherborne Castle to Earl Robert as ransom for the captured William Martel.
[21][note 2] As a result of its surrender, Earl Robert's power extended from the Bristol Channel to the south coast of Dorset.