Echmarcach Mac Ragnaill - Loss and Regain of Dublin, Manx Numismatics, and Possible Actions in Wales

Loss and Regain of Dublin, Manx Numismatics, and Possible Actions in Wales

Þórfinnr's military activities in the Irish Sea region may have contributed to Echmarcach's loss of Dublin, in 1038. In this year, the Annals of Tigernach, and the Dublin Annals of Inisfallen record that Ímar mac Arailt succeeded Echmarcach as King of Dublin, indicating that Echmarcach was forced from the kingship. Ímar may have been a descendant (possibly a grandson) of Amlaíb Cuarán, and thus a close relative of the latter's son, Sitric, whom Echmarcach drove from the kingship only two years before. Ímar may have received some form of support from Knútr's son and successor in England, Harold Cnutsson, King of England (d. 1040). The latter was certainly in power when Ímar replaced Echmarcach; and an association between Ímar and Harold could explain why the Annals of Ulster recorded the latter's death two years later. Ímar's reign lasted only eight years. In 1046, the Annals of the Four Masters state that he was expelled by Echmarcach, who was then elected king by the Dubliners; the Annals of Tigernach, on the other-hand, simply indicate that Echmarcach succeeded Ímar. Echmarcach may well have controlled Mann throughout his second reign in Dublin.

Silver hoards uncovered on Mann, dated by their coins to the years 1030s–1050s, may well be the by-product of the intense conflict wrought for control of the island. At some point in the early 11th century, a mint may have functioned on Mann, and coins which may have been minted on the island roughly coincide with Echmarcach's rule. These coins are very similar to those produced in Dublin, and may be evidence that Echmarcach attempted to harmonise the coinage utilised within his realm. The production of coins on Mann appears to be evidence of a sophisticated economy in the Isles. In fact, the wealth and sophistication of commerce in Echmarcach's realm could in part explain why the battles for control of Dublin and the Isles were so bitter, and could explain Þórfinnr's possible presence in the region.

During his second reign, Echmarcach may have been involved in certain military activities in Wales, allied with Gruffudd ap Rhydderch (d. 1055). English and Welsh sources record that, in 1049, Gruffudd utilised Norse-Gaelic forces against his Welsh rivals and English neighbours. Specifically, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (the "B" and "C" versions), Brut y Tywysogion (the Peniarth MS 20 and Red Book of Hergest versions), and Brenhinoedd y Saeson indicate that a Norse-Gaelic fleet sailed up the River Usk and ravaged the surrounding region. The "D" version of the chronicle and English chronicler John of Worcester (1095–1140fl. 1095–1140) state that Gruffudd and his Norse-Gaelic allies later surprised and routed the English forces of Ealdred, Bishop of Worcester (d. 1069).