Harald I of the Isle of Man
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King Harald I of the Isle of Man, also known as Arailt mac Amhlaibh, was the King of the Isle of Man and Outer Hebrides. As he was more focused to Hebrides, he sometimes is mentioned as "King of Hebrides".
He was son and heir, apparently eldest, of his predecessor, King Olaf II of the Isle of Man.
Harald rose to power in the 1237 after his father's death. His father had reacquired a sizable empire during his rule, spanning many islands. Finding himself in control of this, Harald decided to tour his northern dominions and left his cousin Laglan as a steward of the Man in his absence. During Harald's absence, Laglan caused a "great disturbance", though what actually transpired is unknown. On Harald's return, Laglan fled the island along with Harald's youngest son.
After his return, Harald ruled peacefully over his significant insular empire. During this time he was knighted by King Henry III of England.
King Harald eventually died in a shipwreck off the coast of Wales when returning from Norway after marrying Cecilia Haakonsdottir, illegitimate daughter of his suzerain, king Haakon IV of Norway. Harald was succeeded by King Ragnald V of the Isle of Man, his next brother.
Preceded by Olaf II |
King of the Isle of Man 1237–1248 |
Succeeded by Ragnald V |