According to William of Malmesbury, Harvey declined an invitation from King Henry I of England (1100–35) to attend his court. However, he went to England to assist King Stephen in the war against Matilda. The "Gesta Stephani" describes Harvey as "a man of distinction and soldierly qualities". He was careful to state that he was going of his own free will and not out of compulsion or allegiance owed to the English king. Around 1139, in reward for his service to Stephen, who was at the time secure on his throne, Harvey received the hand in marriage of the king's illegitimate daughter Sybilla. He also received the Earldom of Wiltshire and the honour of Eye in Suffolk, which had been Stephen's before his accession.