Henry of Blois, Bishop of Winchester and brother of King Stephen, acted as papal legate and organized the council of Winchester in April 1141 that declared for Empress Matilda. This reversal of allegiance had direct military consequences as Henry brought his episcopal forces and castles to the imperial cause. He then convened a second council in August when Matilda proved impossible to work with, switching back to Stephen. Each switch brought military action around Winchester.
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