 William was much more active in England, where he took part in the Battle of Lincoln (1141), during which Stephen was captured by the Empress's forces.William led his contingent away when it became clear that the battle was lost, for which he was reprimanded by the author of "Gesta Stephani" and excused by Henry of Huntingdon.At this moment most of Stephen's supporters either declared for the Empress or attempted to stay neutral.