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/