Instead of battle, there was a negotiated settlement that included Henry performing homage to Stephen for Carlisle and the Earldom of Huntingdon.

[3] Henry's journey to Stephen's court for Easter (1136) was met with resentment, including an accusation of treason,[4] which brought about his return at his father's insistence.

[5] Henry's inclusion into King Stephen's inner circle was highlighted by his arranged marriage to Ada de Warenne.

[6] Following Stephen's capture by forces of Empress Matilda, Henry held the Earldom of Northumberland as a Scottish fief.

Unlike in the case of the English king, who had been left without legitimate male descendants in the wreck of the White Ship, there was no succession crisis.