THE life and work of Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester 1129-71, was celebrated in a lecture at the University of Winchester.

The lecture was delivered by Professor Edmund King whose research focuses on the reign of the bishop’s elder brother King Stephen (1135-54) and the events within that period.

Professor King’s biography of King Stephen was published as part of the prestigious Yale English Monarchs series in 2010.

Henry played a prominent role in English politics during the infamous anarchy of his brother’s reign, as both a war-leader and peacebroker, and his influence brought about the end of the civil war in 1153 with the Treaty of Winchester.

The lecture was part of the 37th annual Battle Conference on Anglo-Norman Studies.

This is an important event for those interested in the history of the Anglo-Norman world and this year around 70 delegates attended from across the globe.