Who Was Queen Matilda Of England?

Empress Matilda never actually took the title of Queen, she preferred the title of 'Lady of the English'.

Matilda was the only legitimate surviving child of her father Henry I, who was King of England until his death in 1135. Before Henry I died, he made his barons swear that they would accept his daughter Matilda as his successor.

In 1135 when Matilda returned to England, from her marital home in Normandy to succeed the throne, she discovered that her cousin, Stephen of Blois had ascended the throne.
This move sparked twelve years of war between Stephen and Matilda. One would capture the other and take the crown, until they were disposed of by their cousin. This went on for some time, until Matilda finally acknowledged in 1147 that Stephen had won this civil war.

However, Stephen's son Eustace died in 1153, whilst Matilda's son Henry was displaying signs of becoming a great leader.
He became King Henry II of England in 1154 which ended the House of Normans and started the House of Plantagenets.