The sinking of the White Ship on 25th November 1120 is one of the greatest disasters that England has ever suffered. By 1120, Henry was the most formidable ruler in Europe. Everything he had worked for was finally achieved, and he was ready to hand it on to his beloved son, William. Henry I and his retinue set out first. The White Ship—considered the fastest afloat—would follow, carrying the young prince. Spoilt and arrogant, William had plied his comrades and crew with drink from the minute he stepped aboard. It was the middle of the night when the drunken helmsman rammed the ship into rocks. There would be only one survivor from the gilded roll call of passengers. With the heir dead, a civil war of untold violence erupted, a game of thrones which saw families turn in on each other with English and Norman barons, rebellious Welsh princes and the Scottish king all playing a part in a bloody, desperate scrum for power.