According to George R.R. Martin, Aegon usurping the Iron Throne from Rhaenyra is based on the succession crisis after the death of King Henry I of England in 1135, who had named his daughter and only living legitimate child, Matilda, as his heir to be England's first queen regnant. The throne was usurped by Matilda's cousin Stephen of Blois, who arrived in London and was crowned while Matilda was away in Anjou. Stephen's claim was backed by reports the king had changed his mind on his deathbed and named him heir.