Harald Olafsson - Norwegian Exile

Norwegian Exile

In 1238, the chronicle records that, under the orders of the King of Norway, two men—a certain Gospatric and Gilla Críst mac Muirchertach—landed on Mann and drove Haraldr from island, because Haraldr refused to travel to the court of the Norwegian king. Gospatric and Gilla Críst then took control of the island, taking tribute from the island which was due to the Norwegian king. There is no indication from the chronicle which suggests that Haraldr was also deprived of his holdings in the Hebrides. It may be that Mann was much more valuable than any of the Hebridean portions of the kingdom, and that withholding Mann was considered a sufficient reprimand. The chronicle records that Haraldr made two attempts to return to Mann, however the army of Gospatric and Gilla Críst prevented not only his landing, but also the replenishment of his ships; and in the end, Haraldr was forced to return back to the Hebrides.

The next year, the chronicle records that Haraldr "took wholesome and useful counsel", and travelled to the court of the King of Norway, where he remained for two years. The chronicle states that after two years, the Haraldr came into the favour of his feudal superior, and the Norwegian king formally appointed him as king of all of the islands that he his father, uncle (Rögnvaldr Guðrøðarson), and paternal-grandfather (Guðrøðr Óláfsson) had ruled during their own reigns. The chronicle states that Haraldr arrived back into his island-kingdom in 1242. He is described as first collecting a host of ships in the Hebrides before landing on Mann with a great army. The chronicle records that the Manx people warmly welcomed Haraldr when he landed on St Patrick's Isle, and that Haraldr thus sent home his host of Hebrideans. The chronicle declares that Haraldr then peacefully ruled his kingdom with a firm alliance with the kingdoms of England and Scotland.