Wednesday, March 04, 2009

GODRED CROVAN - G

Godred Crovan

ABC This week is brought to you my the letter G

I am so excited we have snow!!!!!!!!!!!!! Back to the letter and a Viking tale.

Godred Crovan founded of the last Dynasty of the Isle of Man. His father was Harold the Black of 'Ysland' (i.e. Iceland). His origin is murky, as is a lot of Island history. He received a considerable amount of support from the Hebrides and he was successful in establishing a Dynasty that lasted for two centuries without challenge that we do know. These circumstances argue that he was in some way related to some of the previous Kings of the Isles. First noting was 1066 and all that, when we find him with Godred, son of Sigtrygg, King of Man and the Isles at the time. He was helping out King Harold Hardrada of Norway and Tostig Godwinson. That would be assisting them in their invasion of Merry Old England. The invaders were routed by Harold Godwinson, King of England and a brother of Tostig at the Battle of Stamford Bridge as all Chelsea fans should know. King Harold of Norway and Tostig were slain. Both Godreds( confusing isn't it) escaped to guess where, yes, the Isle of Man. King Godred Sigtryggson of Man and the Isles died soon after succeeded by his son Fingal. Godred Crovan seems to to have returned to Iceland. However he had plans. Big plans! In 1071 in Norway, he formed an army to invade little 'ole Isle of Man. Naval support came from the Hebrides, but stubborn opposition came in Man. Apparently the islanders were not at all impressed with this interlopping Viking. He in return was also equally as stubborn though and unimpressed. Despite two setbacks, he finally triumphed in battle at Scaefell(Skyhill) Ramsey. The Hebrideans received the South part of the island. It was take land or plunder it. The people of Man were driven into the Northern portion, that would be places like er, Ramsey then. Godred Crovan was a mighty ruler, conquering Dublin and a large part of Leinster. He was married leaving three sons, Lagman, Harold and Olaf. He died of pestilence in Islay in 1087.

Godred Croven established the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles after the Battle of Skyhill, Ramsey as it happens, on his third attempt. Sifting through info concerning anything to do with the events and timelines can be a nightmare, but the above married times, dates, places and names most frequently. It's also a Ramsey connection, rather than just generic Isle Of Man. The image is part of a scuplture to be found in the lobby of Ramsey Library of Godred and his
son Olaf. To see the full sculpture and read about Olaf click here for my other post and the scroll to Olaf lower part of the post.

Go to Mrs N for a plethera of G's.

babooshka ramsey daily photo http://dailyphotoisleofman/blogspot.com/

54 comments:

marley said...

I hope you'll show us some snowy photos!

marley said...

Btw, interesting post today (forgot that bit before!)

Rinkly Rimes said...

Judging by your description I'm sure the statue is a true likeness of the dear man! (And we think we've got worries!)

Anonymous said...

You know it's raining now.

Unknown said...

Wow!I learned alot today!Thanks for the history lesson.
And it's just really on the cool side here in Florida.But NO snow!

photowannabe said...

Terrific history lesson and great research. I love what blogging does for knowledge.

Unknown said...

You are happy for snow? : ) I am happy that you are happy but very disheartened about the stuff myself! Loved learning about your G.

Lowell said...

Fascinating history! The fellow does look powerful and determined!

George said...

Thanks for the interest post on a part of your history.
I'm glad you got some snow. Will we be seeing pictures?

Sylvia K said...

Great history lesson as always as well as a great photo! Enjoy your snow! Look forward to pictures!

Anonymous said...

About time too back to the Vikings. Thank you.

skywind said...

Iceland's history is Viking history. :)

http://eyesinkaleidoscope.blogspot.com/
http://fymtyh.blogspot.com/

Kala said...

Hi Babooshka
Looks like uve started an alphabet soup of photos - definitely a great idea! Nothing like a good Norwegian bit of history and Ramsey connection!
=)

Pat - Arkansas said...

Old Godred was quite a Guy! That is interesting historical information.

Thanks for the visit to my ABC and your kind comment.

Alan said...

A great bit of history there. So much that happened, so much of it still left to our imaginations...

Kate said...

A strong sculpture for a strong personality!

magiceye said...

interesting history and striking portrait

Anonymous said...

Very interesting and the sculpture is impressive

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

What a Great G! :)

My Spirit in Bedse
Birdhouses, Birds

Anonymous said...

...and that was why the Battle of Hastings was lost to the Normans.

Love the treatment - would lack the sense of power in colour.

Olivier said...

belle sculpture. et tu en as fait un très beau portrait en b&w
nice sculpture. and you made a very nice portrait in b&w

Daniel Chérouvrier said...

It's your day today and a fine post.

Anonymous said...

A personality and a very interesting history I didn't know. Thank you for this informative post.

Brett said...

They have threaten snow here for today, but all we have so far is blue sky.

EG CameraGirl said...

Congratulations on the snow. Isn't it beautiful when it's fresh?

Ah! The founder of the last dynasty. Cool post.

vincibene said...

Thank you for this interesting post!
Please take a look at my blog, I have a present for you!

TYRA Hallsénius Lindhe said...

Hi Babooshka and thank you for a very informative and exciting story about Godred. It's great that I learn new stuff every week thanks to all the clever participants in ABC.

xxox Tyra

spacedlaw said...

Thanks for the tale! It is very interesting.

naturglede/Randi Lind said...

Thank you for a interesting story about Godred and Harald Hardråde. Have a fun abc.

Anonymous said...

So much history is available on your site. Thank you for sharing.

George Townboy said...

I've seen a number of men on motorcycles this week (Bike Week Daytona) that look exactly like Godred!

Great history, thank you.

~ Godred Townboy

Miss_Yves said...

Gorgeous sculpture and great story, which belonGs to History.

Halcyon said...

I find this statue sort of creepy. For some reason, I don't like it when sculptures are too realistic. :S

Nice photo though!

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

Very interesting. I always forget these ABC things and skywatch things. You guys are all smarter than me! Nice photo and story. Excited about snow? (I'm tired of it, ugh! We're supposed to warm up today, a little).

Mary Stebbins Taitt said...

I wouldn't be tired though of YOUR snow.

Anonymous said...

Nice bit of history there! So did Godred found the Tynwald, then? Or does it predate him?

Anonymous said...

Excited by snow....I am so snow weary at this time of year...

Unknown said...

I'm amazed by how some people can will themselves to power: all the more impressive when it lasts for generations.

Anonymous said...

Snow has been and gone. Did you get any photos? Hope so.

Carolina said...

A very informative post. He looks like a tough guy.

Tumblewords: said...

Winter brought 87 inches of snow so I can hardly share your snow excitement! But I'm glad for you! Interesting and informing post.

Lucky Dip Lisa said...

Quick visit, I have an award for you on my art blog....
http://lisasarsfield.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

That's a really interesting history, yours is even older than Glasgow's!

I loved yesterday's beach shot too.

Celeste said...

Those Vikings certainly got around! Fascinating post, thank you :)

nonizamboni said...

An inspiration for sure. Your history there is phenomenal.
Nice choice for today--thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your visits and recent comments at South Shields daily Photo Babooshka. They are very much appreciated.

Like yourself I like a bit of local history, I'm featuring some Newcastle landmarks over the next few days.

Stefan Jansson said...

Thanks for the history lesson!

Carraol said...

Great piece of history, Vikings was an incredible people, adventurers, navigators, thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Interesting !! One of the most wonderful and informative posts for G :) and loved the background .. the story .. God Bless !!

Dragonstar said...

That made fascinating reading - thanks!

Judy said...

Thank you for the history lesson. I know almost nothing about the islands around Britain. I had thought all the Viking influence was in the north!

Mojo said...

Good grief that Godred was a grand ...er... guh... erm... oh sod it. Fascinating bit of (rather obscure) history. and a typically wonderful image for good measure! Couldn't have been easy to dig all this up!

Anna said...

Great informative post for the letter G. I have really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Isle of Man.Thank you :)

Anna said...

Great informative post for the letter G. I have really enjoyed learning more about the history of the Isle of Man.Thank you :)

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