Henry I secured the English throne rapidly after William II's death in 1100, taking possession of the treasury and obtaining coronation before his elder brother Robert could establish his claim. His Charter of Liberties promised to correct abuses in relations with the Church and tenants of the Crown. Marriage to Matilda of Scotland strengthened dynastic connections with the pre-Conquest English royal line and helped consolidate support.

Conflict with Robert continued over Normandy. Henry defeated him at Tinchebrai in 1106 and reunited control of England and the duchy, keeping his brother imprisoned. Governing possessions on both sides of the Channel required deputies and reliable officials. Royal administration developed through the court, financial accounting and the work of officers responsible for collecting and supervising revenue. The surviving Pipe Roll of 1130 provides unusually detailed evidence of that financial system.

Henry also negotiated with church leaders over the appointment of bishops, reaching a compromise with Archbishop Anselm in 1107. He used marriages, patronage and military action to manage relations with neighbouring rulers and powerful barons. His foundation of Reading Abbey in 1121 joined religious patronage with the creation of a royal burial place. These activities supported a kingship that combined promises of good government with close control of resources and sometimes severe punishment.

The death of his legitimate son William Adelin in the White Ship disaster of 1120 destabilized the succession. Henry sought a new male heir through remarriage, then required leading men to recognize his daughter Matilda. Her marriage to Geoffrey of Anjou added another political complication to the future of Normandy. Henry died in 1135 before a secure settlement could be enforced. Stephen seized the English crown, and civil war later followed. His reign strengthened the institutions and resources of monarchy, but left the succession unresolved.