White Ship
In 1120, the English political landscape had changed dramatically after the "White Ship" disaster. Around three hundred passengers – including Matilda's brother William Adelin and many other senior nobles – embarked one night on the "White Ship" to travel from Barfleur in Normandy across to England. The vessel foundered just outside the harbour, possibly as a result of overcrowding or excessive drinking by the ship's master and crew, and all but two of the passengers died. William Adelin was among the casualties.