Matilda of England, also known as Empress Matilda, was born in 1102 as the daughter of King Henry I of England and Matilda of Scotland. She was the first female ruler of England, though her reign was contested. Matilda was married to Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor, which gave her the title of empress. After her father's death in 1135, she claimed the English throne, leading to a civil war known as the Anarchy. Despite her efforts, Matilda faced significant opposition, particularly from her cousin Stephen of Blois, who seized the throne. Although she never officially ruled as queen, her son, Henry II, eventually became king, establishing the Plantagenet dynasty. Matilda's legacy is significant in the history of female leadership in England.