Harald I of the Isle of Man
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article does not cite any references or sources. (August 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
Harald I (-1248), also known as Harald the Black and Arailt mac Amhlaibh, was the King of Mann. As he was more focused on the Hebrides, he sometimes is mentioned as "King of Hebrides".
He was son and heir, apparently eldest, of his predecessor, King Olaf II.
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 Manx 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, his next brother.
Head of State of the Isle of Man | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Olaf II |
Norse King of Mann 1237–1248 |
Succeeded by Ragnald V |