[1] This Stephan latelie before by his vncle K. Hen|ries meanes, had purchased & got in marriage the onelie daughter and heire of Eustace earle of Bul|longne, and so after the decease of his father in lawe, became earle there: and further, had goodlie possessi|ons in England giuen him by the king, and yet (as farther shall appeare) he kept not his oth made with K. Henrie. Wil. Malm. Some write that there rose no small strife betwixt this earle Stephan, & Robert erle of Gloce|ster, in contending which of them should first receiue this oth: the one alledging that he was a kings son, the other affirming that he was a kings nephue.