King Stephen of England, born around 1092-1096, was the grandson of William the Conqueror. He was the son of Adela, daughter of William I, and Count Stephen-Henry of Blois, a powerful French noble. Being a younger son, Stephen had no inheritance, which led him to England, where his uncle, King Henry I, had taken the throne. Growing up, he spent much of his youth both in the English and French courts, affording him a comprehensive education typical for nobility of the time.

When King Henry I died in 1135, the succession was unclear. Though the king's intention was for his daughter, Empress Matilda, to inherit the throne, the idea of a reigning queen was unpopular. Seizing the opportunity, Stephen, with swift action and the support of powerful figures, was crowned king. However, this led to a protracted civil war, known as "The Anarchy," as factions loyal to Matilda and those to Stephen clashed. The kingdom suffered immensely, with widespread lawlessness, famine, and destruction. Castles rose throughout the land, often manned by lords who acted as petty tyrants.

Stephen's reign was marked by a series of setbacks and short-lived successes. His hold on the throne was often tenuous, and he was once even captured and imprisoned. While he was eventually released, his position remained unstable throughout his rule. One of Stephen's more recognized mistakes was his inability to control the ambitious lords and ensure consistent loyalty, leading to frequent rebellions.

Foreign relations during Stephen's reign were notably characterized by tensions with France and Scotland. Both nations sought to exploit the internal divisions in England for their gains. Stephen's policies lacked a clear direction due to the constant internal strife. However, he made attempts to maintain a balance of power, foster loyalty through granting titles and lands, and protect the church's interests, which was a significant force at the time.

On the familial front, Stephen married Matilda of Boulogne, with whom he had three children who survived infancy: Eustace, Baldwin, and Marie. Eustace, being the eldest, was groomed as Stephen's successor. However, his sudden death in 1153 left a vacuum. This, combined with Stephen's war-weariness and the rise of Matilda's son, Henry Plantagenet, led to the Treaty of Wallingford. The treaty stipulated that Stephen would remain king for life, but he would be succeeded by Henry.

King Stephen's death in 1154 marked the end of a tumultuous reign. Given the chronic instability of his rule, the sentiment towards Stephen's death was likely mixed. Many probably yearned for stability and hope, which the ascension of Henry II, known for his administrative reforms and the establishment of common law, promised.

The era of Stephen was marked by significant turmoil, overshadowing much of the cultural progress made under previous Norman rule. However, it's essential to understand the broader European context. The 12th century was a time of renaissance, with the emergence of Gothic architecture, advancements in learning, and the founding of many universities. While England under Stephen might have been embroiled in civil strife, the seeds of cultural and intellectual growth were being sown, which would manifest more fully under the subsequent Plantagenet dynasty.