The White Ship Disaster
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2024
- The White Ship Disaster 1120
The drowning of William Adelin, heir to the English throne in 1120, threw the line of succession into chaos.
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In this video I tell you the story of the loss of The White Ship and the heir to the English crown in 1120.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:30 The White Ship
1:05 The House of Normandy
3:15 King Henry I
4:17 William Aetheling
5:16 Sinking of the White Ship
7:27 Succession Crisis
7:54 Stephen and Matilda
8:50 Plantagenets
9:34 The History Chap
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
On a dark night in November 1120, the fastest ship in the English fleet, The White Ship, struck a rock in the English Channel and sank. Only one of the 300 passengers and crew survived.
As the White Ship sank beneath the waves, she took William Adelin (William Aetheling), the heir to the Enbglish throne with her.
William Adelin was the only son of King Henry I of England.
His death threw the House of Normandy into a succession crisis.
Upon the death of Henry I, two grandchildren of William the Conqueror, Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda squared up to each other in a bloody civil war known as "The Anarchy".
The ultimate result of this conflict was the end of the House of Normandy (established by William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066) and the establishment of the House of Plantagenet, under Matilda's son, King Henry II.
The Plantagenets are the longest royal dynasty in England's history.
FAQ
When did the White Ship sink?
1120
What was the White Ship?
The fastest ship in the English fleet it was carrying the heir to the throne of England when it sank.
Who was the heir to the English throne?
William Adelin.
Who was William Adelin?
He was the only son of King Henry I of England.
His grandfather was William the Conqueror.
What was the result of the sinking of the White Ship?
King Henry I was left without a male heir.
As the king lay dying he bequeathed the throne to his daughter, Matilda.
The nobles, however, chose her cousin to be king.
There then ensued a civil war between Matilda and King Stephen as to who should be the rightful monarch. The civil war, known as "The Anarchy" ended in a stalemate and a treaty by which Matilda's son, Henry, would inherit the throne upon King Stephen's death.
And this he did as King Henry II, the first of the Plantagenet dynasty.
#thewhiteship #thewhiteshipdisaster #williamaetheling #williamadelin #houseofnormandy #theanarchy #empressmatilda #historytofengland #britishmonarchy #kinghenryi #kinghenryii #stephenofblois #williamtheconqueror #normanconquest #kinghenryi #battleofhastings
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My name is Chris Green ("The History Chap") and I am on a mission to share the amazing history of Britain so that we can appreciate where we have come from and why we are here.
History should not be stuffy or a long list of dates or kings & queens.
So rather than lectures or TH-cam animations, I tell stories that bring the past to life.
My aim is to be chat as if I were having a coffee or meal with you. Jean in Maryland, USA recently wrote: "Chris, is the history teacher I wish I had at school!"
Just for the record, I do have a history degree and continue to have a passion for the subject I studied.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Not only did I enjoy the story, I also enjoyed the way you told it.
Very kind of you. Thanks.
@@TheHistoryChap brilliant chris. thanks.
Another great presentation, well done!
Many thanks Shaun. Please subscribe (if you haven't already) so you don't miss future stories. What would you love me to talk about in the future (no promises!)
@@TheHistoryChap your spoilt for choice in English /British history. I always knew Nelson was a top admiral who beat the the French on numerous occasions. I looked up the battle of the Nile & was staggered by what the winning margin was, he didn't just beat them, he practically wiped them out.
Another very interesting historical figure was a Scot called Thomas Cochrain (I've spelt that wrong), but he made the fictional Hornblower look like a big girls blouse, his life should have been a film or TV series, astounding!
Second time hearing this story. Always good to hear it from different historians
Thank you. Glad you found it interesting.
So glad i stumbled across this channel a month or so ago, really informative, Interesting and above all else, its entertaining. Keep them coming.
Glad you are enjoying it.
Your videos are absolutely brilliant!!! Loved “mad Jack” as I am with all your work. Thanks much for these!!!
Thank you very much!
Very interesting. Matilda should have been queen. Those were good what ifs if Richard had lived. Enjoying your channel a lot. You do great presentations.
I do like the What If's but you can end up driving yourself mad!
Glad you are enjoying my presentations.
Very informative. Nice learning something about England’s early monarchs.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Yet again a tale very well told!
Many thanks.
Excellent story. I recently read "The White Ship" by Charles Spencer and it's a fascinating read!
Thank you for your kind words.
Please make sure to subscribe to my channel so you don’t miss future videos.
You love history. Nice to see.
Thank you. I hope that you enjoyed the story.
Thank you I enjoy learning history :)
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
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Well done sir!
I’m glad that you enjoyed my story.
Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
I enjoy all your stories
Very kind of you.
Just the time of Ken Folletts best novel, I enjoyed deeply! ❤ Ludwig
Yet another marvellously presented historical lecture.
Do I spot Sharon Penmans historical novels upon your shelves?
It was one of my earlier videos.
Presentation style has come on a lot since then (I think).
As they say: "You never stop learning."
@@TheHistoryChap your presentations have improved noticeably, but I think that you raised the bar fairly high when you started.
Thank you once again for these videos.
....The Eureka Uprising in Australia.... hint hint.
Interesting video. I think you should do one on 'The Anarchy'.
thank you so much
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
Another great video!
Thanks again! Have you taken part in my history survey?www.thehistorychap.com/yt-survey
I've just completed it thanks!
Excellent!
Thank you.
A well narrated story, a tragic tale of succession for the throne of England. It is an amazing juxtaposition of history, what if? You are totally correct about the ascension of the house pf Plantangent if he had lived, English history would be nothing like we know but then again, we would not know there was a difference until we noticed.
Not just a different history for England. When you think about it, it would’ve been a different History for the world. (no American colonies, no British empire in India, et cetera et cetera)
Not only was this an interesting video, but it added “tickety-boo” to my lexicon… laughter…
I aim to please
When you were talking about the death of William II when he was "accidentally" shot by an arrow during a hunting trip it took me back nearly four decades when I was in college. The professor in the history class was discussing it and how it was one of his expert hunters that "accidentally" shot him. I chimed in "I can hear him now. 'I didn't realize it was loaded!'" My professor let out a laugh and said that's how the inquest probably went and proceeded to explain what happened immediately after and Henry becoming king.
I think we share a similar sense of humour!
In those days, even the accidental killing of a King would have been cause for torture and brutal execution of the perpetrator. I'd say the fact that Walter Tirel not only wasn't punished for killing the King (even if accidental), but was rewarded by the new King points to the fact that it was no accident. Could it have been a freak accident? Sure, possible. But seems very unlikely given the chain of events that transpired.
Thanks for that little known story 👍
My pleasure, James.
th-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
How true Sir....how true!
Thanks. Check out my latest video: th-cam.com/video/Sx178vz8p7U/w-d-xo.html
Wow Great Video you are very Underated
That's very kind of you. Please do subscribe for more videos in the future. Any events you'd like me to cover?
@@TheHistoryChap I subbed and for the videos in the future, I can't really think of any since I don't really know British History but I would like to see you cover the British Navy.
2:00 Henry, must have been posing, for Picasso.
Stranger things have happened :)
It's amazing how such seemingly small decisions can yield such grave consequences. If someone had just said: "My lord, let's save the drinking until we have safely crossed", all the lives lost in the Anarchy might have been saved.
Ah, how many small events have had huge impacts even in our own lives?
Hooooo thanks for these vídeo, I finish read Pillars of they earth and all the book spin through this fact
Glad you enjoyed.
Another interesting and educational video, thank you.
How long did it take after the Norman conquest for the royals to stop speaking French?
David, the first English king who spoke English as his native tongue was Henry IV, nearly 300 years later.
th-cam.com/users/TheHistoryChap
Thank you sir. It’s interesting how deeply intertwined the regions were, even while fighting against the other.
I find it amusing that after hundreds of years of raids and trying to conquer Britain, the Vikings finally did it. Just under a different name.
Thanks Chris - great prelude talk to the Anarchy - any plans on doing a prog on the Anarchy itself?
It would be good to explore the Anarchy. Just need to bring my more modern history supporters along on the journey.
And thus was inspiration for The Dance of the Dragons, the Targaryen Civil War that is a major premise of the book "Fire & Blood", and the HBO series " House of the Dragon".
Thanks for sharing. Lots of GOT story lines drawn from British history.
Is that Bernard Cornwell novels I spy on your bookcase? Sharpe perhaps?
Nothing wrong with your eyesight. There are probably some "Last Kingdom" books on the shelf somewhere too!
Thanks for getting in touch and if you haven't already, please consider subscribing to my channel.
Bit off-topic, l know but, talking of what ifs, what if William had not prevailed in 1066? Run that one forward...
Anyway, another cracking video, as always.
Thanks for taking the time to get that Alternate history debate really rolling.
So many "what if" moments in English history.
And you are right to dwell on 1066.
However, here is another intriguing 1066 alternative...what if Harald Hardrada had defeated Harold at Stamford Bridge and it was Hardrada versus William of Normandy. The mind boggles!
@@TheHistoryChap The plot thickens...
@@christophernewman5027 Imagine if beer was involved!
Very fascinating stuff. Shame so much of the final accounts of the White Ship come from only one survivor. Maybe his account was true, but I get the impression his extraordinary tale of the prince's death was embellished or outright fiction to make the prince's final moments appear far more heroic than they actually were.
Thanks for watching my video & for your interesting comment.
I'm lost trying to keep up lol , I'm going back to my crayons
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Grab those crayons and please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
What would have happened if Robert's son, William Clito, had survived to 1135 and beyond, the succession would have been exceedingly interesting!
We could have had a for-run of the Wars of the Roses.
The only reason I perked up at hearing "Matilda" is that I loved a murder-mystery series that takes place during the Anarchy, called "Cadfael." I didn't know about that part of history at all up to then. The stories bring up the allegiances to "Maud" or to Stephen frequently.
Thanks for commenting.
I’m guessing the people on the white ship believed it was unsinkable because the heir to the throne was on it.
Pride always goes before a fall.
Let me see ! Rich powerful people on the newest , fastest ship ? The WHITE Ship ? Drinking and partying , then they hit something and sink and many drowned .
I seem to remember a WHITE STAR liner ship that was brand new and the fastest , with rich and powerful men on board , drinking and the such . Then it something hard and sank !
I believe if you took the total number of those who died and added their ages together ( 792 years. ) and add it to the year 1120 ? Good Lord , you have 1912 ? What famous White Star Liner filled with rich and powerful men drinking and the like , hit something hard and sink , killing many ? Come on Chris help me out here , your the History Chap ! Must have been a dream ? Great Job again . By the way , this is a little creepy . The picture behind you has two ships . I believe one is White ! Carefully turn off the camera , and run !
Lonnie, I love your input and must grab whatever you are drinking. Your posts and support always make me smile...and isn't that how the world should be?
Somewhere in the quantum multiverse, if it exists, there are timelines in which William Adelin did not perish.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
An interesting story told quite well
When did the Maid Of Norway die
I thought she was on that boat ?
Hi Don, the Maid of Norway was on another boat heading from Norway to Scotland in 1290.
Her death sparked a succession crisis in Scotland which, ultimately, led to the rise of Robert the Bruce.
@@TheHistoryChap Thanks . I thought the White Ship was a bit early for her . Thanks for clarifying . Travel by ship was a risky proposition in those days .
6:14 - "Prince William supposably" ....Supposably???
According to the sole survivor. But then what else would he tell the king?
@@TheHistoryChap Your recounting of the history was excellent. I was trying to draw your attention the your use of the 'word' "supposably". I'm trying not to laugh because it reminds me of Mitchell and Webb's 'Grammar Nazi' sketch.
Ha ha Andrew, and there was me trying my best to give you a serious answer :)
I'm glad you enjoyed the story and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Take care,
Chris
After her second marriage, Mary became increasingly unpopular and, in 1567, was forced to abdicate. Now secure in her reign, Elizabeth I imprisoned Mary for the next 18 years and, after discovering a 1586 plan to assassinate her and restore the Queen of Scots to power, ordered her beheading in 1587. As for the casket that likely contributed to Mary’s undoing, it survived for the past 450 years precisely because of its association with the controversial queen, per the museum. It’s unique for another reason, too: Because Louis XIV ordered the melting of silver objects to pay for his armies in the late 1600s, there are “no other comparably fine French caskets known to exist from this period,” according to the museum.
A 300-year-old, handwritten note stored with the silver casket details its connection to Mary. But as the museum notes, “it cannot be categorically proven or unproven that the Mary, Queen of Scots Casket belonged to Mary, or that it was the ‘Letters’ Casket.” Nor were the letters within ever conclusively proven to be authentic.
I refer to my comment to your first post. :)
In 1674, Anne, Duchess of Hamilton bought the casket and it stayed with the family for more than 300 years, per the museum. Lennoxlove House has owned the box since the mid-20th century, reports the London Times’ Lucinda Cameron. Born in 1542, Mary became Scotland’s enthroned ruler as a newborn-her father, James V of Scotland, died just six days after she was born. Mary’s French mother, Mary of Guise, sent her as a child to France, where she grew up with the large family of Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici. At 16, she married Francis II, who became king of France in 1559, which made Mary the country’s queen consort. But their marriage was short-lived, and Mary became a widow at age 18 following Francis II’s death.
Meanwhile, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth Tudor became England’s queen in 1558. But the reign was shaky from the beginning, because English Catholics believed that Mary, a Catholic, should be heir to the throne instead of the Protestant Elizabeth.
This set the stage for a decades-long struggle for power between the woman, who became fierce rivals, even though they never met. Elizabeth was furious when the widowed Mary married her first cousin, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, in 1565 without first asking her permission. Three months after Darnley’s 1567 assassination, Mary married James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell-the man suspected of committing Darnley’s murder.
Thanks for sharing.
Have to disagree with your summary of Rufus as a hugely unpopular king, and his death not much of a loss. He was unpopular with the church and its chroniclers, yes, but his reputation as a soldier and a ruler was quite different.
Fair point David.
Ships, eh? Ships always sink.
Bit like rock stars and helicopters. Pretty much the historical equivalent.
Couldn't agree more. History likes to repeat itself.
Is is true that King Henry the viii was Welsh and Queen Elizabeth ii is more German than she is english
Oh gosh, where do I start? Henry VIII's father was half-Welsh, which would make Henry VIII a quarter Welsh.
Elizabeth II mum was Scottish and her father English. Her grandmother, Mary of Teck was German, so again she is 25% German.
I guess, like many of us, their ancestry is a bit of a mix of heritages.