Remember kids: Always designate a driver. This message brought to you by House Plantagenet.

My head was so spinning after the discussion of William, Henry, and Robert that the shipwreck seemed peaceful and easy to follow.

Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, aka Princess Diana's younger brother, has recently written a book about the White Ship. "The White Ship: Conquest, Anarchy and the Wrecking of Henry I’s Dream" is now available at Amazon, and probably elsewhere. I have just ordered as I very much prefer hardbound editions.

Algorithm, bring the joy of these 15 minutes at 8 Eastern thrice weekly to one & all. A remarkable Christmas gift

During Easter 1972, 73 or 74. a 'crew' of 4 lads set off in a Nicholson 30 from Gosport to spend Easter in Cowes. On the way, we picked up the Cherbourg signal on our radio direction finder. We decided that France would be more fun than England for Easter and changed course for Cherbourg. As I recall we had a gentle following breeze and we arrived in Cherbourg next morning. Unfortunately the wind was still from the north when it came time to head home on the Monday only a few hours into the passage it became a force 8 (with snow flurries as I recall). Long story short, sometime after midnight we gave up the fight and turned around and somehow managed to steer east of the Phare de Gatteville lighthouse. Dawn found us off Barfleur. The storm had eased and we motored back to Cherbourg, caught the afternoon ferry to Portsmouth and sent some real sailors from Camper and Nicholson back to retrieve the yacht. Only luck that we didn't join the White Ship.

That any Captain of the day would leave a harbor at nights defies all common sailing practice of the day..amazing story as usual ..thanx THG

Yeah I remember reading about this disaster in a biography of Richard 1 or Richard the Lionheart. What happened in this disaster is the equivalent of a medieval drunk driving vehicle accident. Which took out a large portion of the young nobility of anglo-norman Europe. Including a future king. They say King Henry never smiled again after this disaster.

This is one of the few channels that I hit the like button before it even starts. Always good and great research.

The White Ship incident is one of the biggest turning points in history. If you get a chance to read the late Sharon Kay Penman's Plantagenet novel When Christ and His Saints Slept, her description of it, and of the ensuing Anarchy, is wonderful.

A couple of years ago I read "The Plantagenets" by Dan Jones. The tragedy of the White Ship has always stayed with me. Thanks for another great video!

I've been reading The Oxford Illustrated History of Britain. Your account of this time period is so much clearer, all while retaining a scholarly sensibility. Thank you for what you do.

This is amazing. A pivotal moment in history, for sure, but more for what the disaster left the door open for. Henry I, known as "Beauclerc" in his day (English kings were known by their post-nominals more typically after the three Edwards ruled in succession in the 14th century), a great deal of his success was in building an efficient administration - hence his name. His kingdom was one of the richest in Europe because of him. But it wasn't his ill-fated son who was taught the finances of the realm... it was his daughter Matilda, who was betrothed as a girl to the Holy Roman Emperor. While she was named heir to the throne (virtually unheard of for a woman in the 12th century) but lost it to cousin Stephen of Blois upon Henry's death in 1135, she nevertheless battled the new king and almost seized the crown for herself in 1141 during the Anarchy. While she didn't prevail, she did ensure that her son Henry, from her second marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou, would inherit the throne, over Stephen's own son. And Henry II, known as fitzEmpress, the Angevin, and, most famously, as the first Plantagenet (his father's nickname) would arguably be one of England's greatest kings, at one point controlling more land in France than the French king, indeed famously seizing the king's wife and marrying her while he was still a teenager - Eleanor of Aquitaine. In part this was because of the political acumen of her mother, who had a front seat to some of the great political fights of the 12th century between the Church and the Holy Roman Emperor, over investiture of church officials, a hugely consequential political fight that, arguably, foreshadowed the Reformation some 400 years later. Indeed, while the White Ship was the disaster that changed the course of English (and French) history, it was the person of the Empress Matilda, the only surviving legitimate heir, who helped guide her son to his own greatness, as he instituted Common Law, and started to apply primogeniture as a way to prevent succession crises. Of course, not all things went to plan (see The Lion In Winter...)

Your mention recalls to my mind the mystery series "The Chonicles of Brother Cadfael" by Ellis Peters which is set during the time of the struggle between Stephen and Matilda and presented as an excellent BBC series starring Derek Jacobi - my own introduction to that period of history.

What a great story......its good to remind ourselves that Normandy was part of the English monarchy for many years after these events (perhaps another story?).....Happy Turkey day.....looking pretty dapper today!!!

"....And the youngest of the family, is moving with authority / building castles by the sea, he dares the tardy tide/ to wash them all aside...." from Thick as a Brick, by Jethro Tull.

That painting starting around 8:05 of the nobles sucking down wine demonstrates that the artist back then (assuming it was from the same era) indeed had a sense of humor, even if it wasn't specifically about this incident, the look on the imbiber's faces & their sideways turned eyes is downright Priceless.

I found this to be a very interesting story. Frankly, I'm surprised all the local folks allowed themselves to be sucked into "Family Feud" on a national scale like this! I wonder if the one positive thing that may have come out of the sinking of this "White Ship", and the associated war and instability, might have been the Magna Carta in 1215, which was another turning point in history.

Ellis Peter's used the Civil War as the setting for a series of mystery novels with a a Welsh monk as the detective. They were excellent.

So what you are saying is 'don't drink and drive/operate ANYTHING! Thanks for another great video.

Reminds me of your episode about the incident aboard the USS Princeton in 1844 altering course in US politics. Fascinating how a single event alters paths of events.

7:32 Why show a Viking ship (Gokstadskipet) from 890 when the White Ship was likely an early cog (descended from the knarr) from over 2 centuries later? Quite different styles and ages.

Sibling rivalry can be bad enough for us Commoners, I can’t imagine it with a kingdom at stake. However it seems like William tried to divide very fairly between his three sons. Unfortunately fairness goes right out the window when people get greedy.

Great story which is particularly interesting as a sequel to the Norman Conquest. Only yesterday I finished an online unit on 1066. William the Conqueror was an outstanding military and political leader and at least one of his sons learned those lessons well. Even so, misfortune intervened. Thanks History Guy!

3:41 "oh dear. I appear to have an arrow in my chest. How unfortunate."

Matilda and Stephen -- I recall that conflict mainly from reading Brother Cadfael mysteries.

Always a learning experience with THG. Thank you.

Really interesting and well told account of how the Plantagenets came to power. Thank you!

When life is bad I can always count on a fascinating story to help get me through. Thank you History Guy.

British history to me tends to be a confusing mash of my head spinning with who did what to whom with who again? And where did they come from???? But The History Guy helped untangle a few threads for me with this one. Thank you!!!!

Drunk teens driving was a catastrophe 900 years ago...

What a remarkable story about a pivot in English history. A tale well told...

Nothing shows ambitious greed more than princes getting a kingdom that’s split for them. The siblings don’t develop the newly divided kingdom. Instead they immediately try to conquer each other

feeding that algorithm ... thanks for the consistently enlightening content. this channel never disappoints

Having studied this era fairly extensively, I have to say this is a great summation of Henry I's rise and tragedy.

Thanks for this Look at a story that I've long wanted to hear in greater detail. I enjoy stories about these kings of the past. If I remember correctly, Steven also had a son he was grooming as his successor, who also died. Although he had other sons, he saw an opportunity to end the war and offered to make Matilda's son the heir if she would end the war. Her son became Henry II. Henry's sons began another chapter of drama filled rivalry for the throne.

Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving to THG and all of the viewers

If you want to know more about this story and what happened after, read *The Greatest Knight,* about Guillaume de Marchaut (William Marshall) who was, as a child, suspended from the sling of a trebuchet by Stephen of Blois.

As a KZfaq Premium subscriber and a Patreon supporter, it’s nice to have a video without an ad for Magellan for a change.

A wonderful story from the early days of Anglo-Norman England. A period frequently glossed over in my opinion. Thank you for filling the gap.

Ken Follett’s Pillers of the Earth is based on the aftermath of this disaster - diving into everyday life of people at the time. While fiction it is based on history and one of my favourite series.

One of the things we learn from studying/reading history is Something Always Happens, to spoil all the plans.

How about something on the war between Matilda and Stephen? Talk about how Matilda had a positive genius for pissing people off. How Stephen offered her a compromise and why she was forced to accept it.

All I can say after hearing that story is: I'm happy to be a peasant! And I thought I had family problems!!!

Thank you for another excellent History Guy video. This is always one of the highlights of my day. Everybody have a great day!

have you ever done a video about Edward II/Mortimer and Isabella/Edward III, and how the throne passed from Edward II to his son? its always been my favourite drama of English history

All the characters in this tale probably did not have a single English word between them and this vessel was known as la Blanche nef. It is important not to underestimate the significance of Henry marrying Matilda. By doing so, his heir could help heal the wounds inflicted on England by the Norman Conquest and claim ancestry from such illustrious Anglo-Saxon kings. Sadly , when Henry died further ravaging took place in England for many more years. The death of Henry himself, is of interest and worth an episode. He died in Normandy, and his foul and decomposing body was brought back to be interred at the altar of Reading Abbey. After the dissolution of the monastic orders, his bones were tossed outside and it has been suggested that the area now be searched for them- like the successful discovery of King Richard III. I would imagine the only bones around are also discarded bones- but KFC.

A very good rendition of this story. Enjoyed it a lot.

Great episode. I am a total nerd for this period in European history, thanks for bringing it to life!!!

Your diligence of investigation and record delight my senses

A few years ago, while researching alcohol related tragic events of history, I came across a limited noting of this story. It was nice to get more details about this event from The History Guy.

Thank you! It's funny when you tell people that we had a king Steven!

I could watch this guy's history videos 24/7 if I weren't required to sleep.

I need to show my mom this, next time she brings up how my brother in I were at each others throats and often only united to deal with the youngest sons!

Thank you Sir.

Heard about it but didn't know all these details. Thanks for resurrecting an amazing historical chapter!

I had NO idea they had found any remnants of the White Ship.

Thanks for this. Henry and Matilda are my 31st great grandparents. You inspire further attention, by me, to my genealogy. I've currently recorded the records of just under 119,000 relatives and ancestors. You have helped me with "color commentary" well researched. Thanks.

I would like to see an episode in which you discuss the military items in the background. Where and when you got the items and any interesting stories behind them.

Fascinating to consider what might have been.

Another great show. You are the best sir thank you

Happy Thanksgiving

Amazing that the sea can preserve remains of the wreck for nearly a millenia

Amazing how a group of drunken teens can cause such a turn in history’s direction!

A classic "DOH" of history! Amazing vid as always!

Great video! Really reinforces the wisdom of the designated driver.

It's amazing, and I never thought about it before, but primogeniture was probably a very stabilizing force compared with the infighting and wars fought between brothers.

The History Guy is the BEST!!!!

Guy: Talk about the destruction of the Great Library of Alexandria.

Such a pivotal historic event. Thanks for the reveal ..!!

Thanks, HG! As a matter of fact there's a recent book titled "The White Ship", which I planned on reading; now more than before your video! 👍😎

Henry I acknowledged eight male and eleven female children out of wedlock. Who knows how many more there were. I call that a busy man.

TY; Wish you & yours a Happy Thanksgiving 🦋

Thank you for the lesson.

Interesting era, for sure, with tricky ins & outs. I was nearly breatless trying to follow. Great job.

Happy thanksgiving! Thanks again for another great video!

Someone should have pointed out to the White Ship's captain the very good advice: Don't drink and drive! (Or sail).

I have William the Conqueror and his descendants in my family tree but I didn't know much about them. So this was very interesting! (But I did know about the long conflict between Stephen and Maude, from the book by Sharon Kay Penman - although the book is only partly historical)

The background of a mystery series by Ellis Peters, featuring man-at-arms turned monk Brother Cadfael, begins with this event. It's a good series that's well worth reading!

There is a mini series called "The Pillars of the Earth" based on these events in history. It's not a bad mini series.

November is not a good time of year to be on the water. A friend of mine lost his grandson on the Delaware River last week. His body was not recovered yet. The cold water and swift tides are deadly.

read the Ellis Peters Cadfael stories, set in the late 1130's -40's in the midst of the Great Anarchy. They aren't history, but they're interesting and do give a great flavour of the times.

Please do Sam Steele, the guy to whom every Mountie trope traces.

Very interesting!

In the 60s, I was "taught" history but it was dry & *boring* (IMHO). Rockets were being launched at the moon, it was the Jet Age & the music was great- who wanted to know what happened 6, 7, 8 hundred years ago? Not me certainly & I just blanked it out. I *do* wish my history teachers had been the likes of The History Guy, bringing it all to life with context instead of boring me to stupefaction as they did in my school days. Thank you The History Guy!👏👏👏👏👏

The History Guy: There is no credible evidence that the White Ship was sabotaged. Ken Follet: Yeah, but it sure does make for a good story!

Nice interesting episode. Great job THG!

Drunk driving never ends well does it?

Short version: bunch of nobles, all relatives, randomly fighting each other... the usual medieval thing.

Happy Thanksgiving History Family! Thank you for giving us exciting history every week!

History dude wish I could just hangout with you. All the intricate facts you would say casually, would teach me more than all my History classes combined. I'd be like Tim Allen on Tool Time, slicing and dicing what ya said. But still moving forwards learning. . I give thanks to you and yours for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving Mr History Guy and family from Ft Worth TX

Great dramatic history! Thank you for telling it!

The white star line, just prior to thanksgiving 👃🏼

Really the best history channel! Thanks

What a shame that an even so purportedly small would have such consequences for a nation.

Thank you

Great research and presentation. Thank you.

When I hear stories like this I try to put myself into the historical context as “I’m a baker so what does all this mean to me?”

I knew this story, but as usual you've added some details I hadn't seen anywhere else. Also- wow! I had no idea it had just been found (probably)! By the way, I was puzzled where you'd gotten Adelin, as I'd only ever seen Henry I's son called William Aetheling, the same stem that's in the name of Ethelred the Unready. It's an Anglo-saxon name meaning "kingly, noble," emphasizing the boy's ancestry from Alfred the Great (i.e. he had native English royal blood) as well as his Norman blood from William the Conqueror. Henry I was an excellent PR man! But I understand now; Aetheling is really Æðeling, that voiced "th" sound in Anglo-Saxon that survives in this, the, then. Latinized, it tends to turn into a d. Thankfully, while William Aetheling's sister Matilda never took the throne, her son Henry II did, so the bloodline of Alfred the Great passed down into the English royal family that way. Remarkably, while it was sometimes very attenuated - Henry VIII inherited his Plantagenet blood mostly via his mother Elizabeth of York, the Stuarts descended from Henry VIII's sister Margaret, and King George I was the great-grandson of King James I - there are a few molecules left in the royal family right up to the present, not that the current queen is schooled enough in English history to appreciate her pre-Norman-Conquest ancestry. But Charles seems like enough of a swot he might know what happened in England before 1066. (Alas, my ancestors were some of the Danes Alfred was fighting against. XD)

Happy Thanksgiving, HG, you are the best!!!