The Crovan Dynasty

Date: [unknown] [unknown]
Location: Hebrides, Scotland
Surnames/tags: Ireland, Isle of Man, Early Scandinavia

The Crovan Dynasty

The Norse/Gaelic Crovan Dynasty of the 11th century to the mid 13th century developed as the ruling family of sea lords, descendants of Godred Crovan and the Uí Ímair, who spread out from Dublin, Ireland, to dominate the coasts of the Irish Sea and the islands and coasts of western Scotland. They can be found in history and sagas described as Kings of Dublin, Kings of Man, and Kings of the Isles. With the high mobility of their galleys and fighting strength of their armies, they developed a strong military presence in Western Scotland and the Isles. Close alliances were forged with the Irish and Norwegian kings, and with Hebridean lords of the Western Isles, the Anglo-Norman lords of Ireland and Wales, and the rulers of Galloway.

The prime source for the Crovan Dynasty is the Chronica Regum Manniæ et Insularum compiled at Rushen Abbey, Isle of Man, by Monks of the Sauvignac Order. Rushen Abbey (Mannishter Rushen) was gift to the Sauvignac Order of Furness Abbey in Cumbria, by King Olaf in 1134. The Chronica Regum Manniæ et Insularum is in Latin document, written c. 1257- 1262 by Cistercian Monks at Rushen Abbey. An English transcript has been made, with Historical Notes as interpreted by Professor Munch. ^{[1] [2]}

The progenitor of the Crovan Dynasty is Godred Crovan who died in 1095. He was a son of Harald the Black of Islay. The sons of Godred Crovan, Lagmann (Lǫgmaðras), Aralt (Harald) and Amlaíb (Olaf) expanded the family influence on Mann and Scotland's Hebrides.

In 1066, Godred Croven and his men joined the Norwegian king Harald Hardraada to take part in an invasion of England, challenging Harold Godwinson for the rule of the English. They were defeated in the Battle of Stamford Bridge. The Chronicle of Man and the Isles (Chronica Regum Manniæ et Insularum) records that, following the defeat of a Norwegian force by the English in battle at Stamford Bridge in 1066, 'a certain Godred, called Crouan, son of Harold the Black of Ysland, escaped to Godred, son of Sytric, then King of Man, by whom he was received with honour. In the same year (1066) William the Bastard conquered England, slew King Harold, and reigned in his stead.' ^[3]

With the rise to power and influence of Somerled, a Norse-Gaelic lord who had married Ragnhild. a daughter of Olaf, King of Man and the Isles, the wide influence of the Crovan dynasty faded.

1. ↑ Chronica Regum Manniæ et Insularum (The Chronicle of Man and the Sudries) ed: P.A. Munch
2. ↑ Chronicles of Mann on the Isle of Man website
3. ↑ Manx Soc vol 22 Chronicle of Man and the Sudreys 'et omnes in fugam compulerunt. De qua fuga quidam Godredus d cognomento Crouan filius Haraldi nigri de Ysland e fugiens venit ad Godredum filium Sytric qui tune regnavit in Mannia, et honorifice susceptus est ab eo.' Chronica regum Manniae et Insularum et episcoporum et quorundam regum Angliae, Scotiae, Norwegiae; Anno MXLVII

Sources

• Chronica Regum Manniæ et Insularum - The Chronicle of Man and the Isles (The Chronicle of Man and the Sudries) with historical notes by P.A. Munch
• Wikipedia - Chronicles of Mann
• Explore Rushen Abbey by drone, uploaded by Manx National Heritage : Rushen Abbey – Mannishter Rushen
• Heimskringla, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norway saga by Snorri Sturlason (transription not credited on this web page)
• Wikipedia - Godred Crovan
• Wikipedia - Crovan Dynasty includes a map and list of rulers of the Crovan Dynasty.