Formation of the Angevin Empire. The New Monarchy: The Men and Their Ideas

The dynasty established by William the Conqueror was less fortunate than its Capetian contemporaries. It died out within seventy years through lack of a male heir in the direct line. After a period of anarchy during the nominal reign of the French baron, Stephen of Blois, it was replaced by the seignorial family, equally French in its origins, of the counts of Anjou.