The real-life Rhaenyra Targaryen? Discover the Oxford Castle story behind House of the Dragon

The latest season of HBO’s House of the Dragon is in full swing but still many don’t know about Oxford Castle Prison’s surprise links to the smash hit show.

Fans of House of the Dragon may be surprised to discover that one of the show's central characters bears striking similarities to a real-life medieval royal claimant - with one leading historian now supporting the connection between Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and former Oxford Castle resident Empress Matilda.

Nearly 900 years before the Targaryen leader fought for the Iron Throne, Empress Matilda was fighting for the English crown during a brutal civil war known as The Anarchy.

Now, a leading expert on the period says the parallels between the two women are undeniable.

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Empress Matilda: two women fighting for a throne

David Routt, adjunct professor of history at the University of Richmond and an expert on The Anarchy, says that Rhaenyra Targaryen bears an “uncanny resemblance” to Empress Matilda.

The similarities between the two stories are remarkable.

Both women:

• Were named as heirs by their fathers after the death or loss of a male heir
• Were expected to claim power in societies that were deeply resistant to female rulers
• Faced male relatives who seized power in opposition to their claims
• Gathered supporters and fought civil wars to secure what they believed was their rightful inheritance
• Ultimately saw their dynastic legacy continue through their descendants

In House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne leads to the devastating Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

In 12th-century England, Matilda's claim to the throne led to The Anarchy - a conflict that divided the country for almost two decades.

According to Routt, the parallels are impossible to ignore:

“Although the dragon-riding Rhaenyra is a fantasy princess, the parallels between her circumstance and the challenges faced by the Empress Matilda are undeniable.”

The real-life conflict behind the fantasy

The Anarchy began after the death of King Henry I. Matilda was his daughter and had been named as his heir. However, following Henry's death, her cousin Stephen of Blois seized the English throne.

Matilda refused to give up her claim.

The result was a bitter and violent civil war between supporters of Matilda and Stephen. The conflict lasted for almost 20 years and saw castles across England become crucial strategic strongholds. One of those castles was Oxford Castle.

When Empress Matilda was trapped at Oxford Castle

In the winter of 1142, Matilda found herself besieged inside Oxford Castle by Stephen's forces.

With the castle surrounded and enemy troops closing in, her position became increasingly dangerous. According to legend, Matilda eventually made a dramatic escape under cover of darkness. Dressed in white to blend into the winter snow, she is said to have descended from St George's Tower and made her way away from the castle while the surrounding landscape was covered in snow.

The story has become one of the most famous episodes of Matilda's life - and it happened here, at Oxford Castle.

Today, visitors to Oxford Castle Prison can still see St George's Tower and explore the historic site where Matilda was besieged during The Anarchy.

Experience the history behind House of the Dragon

The connection between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Empress Matilda is fascinating because the similarities go beyond the broad idea of two women fighting for a crown.

• Both were royal daughters named as heirs
• Both faced powerful opposition to their right to rule
• Both became the focus of devastating civil wars
• And both stories are rooted in the question at the heart of House of the Dragon: who has the right to inherit the throne?

By visiting Oxford Castle Prison, you can experience a real location at the heart of the historical conflict that provides such a compelling parallel to the world of House of the Dragon.

Explore the medieval castle, stand inside St George's Tower and discover the story of Empress Matilda, the Anarchy and the struggle for the English crown. Book your Oxford Castle Prison guided tour and experience a part of the real history that inspired one of television's most famous fictional civil wars.