TheCrovan dynasty, from the late 11th century to the mid 13th century, was the ruling family of an insular kingdom known variously insecondary sources as the Kingdom of Mann, theKingdom of the Isles, and the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Theeponymous founder of the dynasty wasGodred Crovan, who appeared from obscurity in the late 11th century, before his takeover of theIsle of Man andDublin. The dynasty was ofGaelic-Scandinavian origin, descending from a branch of theUí Ímair, a dominant kindred in theIrish Sea region which first appears on record in the late 9th century.

Leading members of the Crovan dynasty formed marriage-alliances with theIrish andNorwegian kings, as well asHebridean,Gallovidian, andAnglo-Norman lords, and possiblyWelsh princes as well. Surrounded by sometimes threatening English, Norwegian and Scottish monarchs, and various warlords from the western seaboard of Scotland, the leading members of the dynasty at times tactfully recognised the overlordship of certain kings of Norway and England, and even thePapacy. The military might of the dynasty were their fleets ofgalleys, and their forces battled in Ireland, the Hebrides, Wales, and the Isle of Man. The importance of the galley to the sea-Kings of the Crovan dynasty is illustrated in its implementation uponseals that certain members are known to have used.

Alex Woolf believes theClann Somhairle can be regarded as a female linecadet branch of the Crovan dynasty.^[1]

AfterSomerled's coup, the Crovan dynasty were temporarily deposed from all except the Isle of Man, and Dublin. On Somerled's death, they were allowed to inherit part of the realm :Lewis,Harris, andSkye.

• Godred Crovan, died 1095
• Logmann, d. 1103, son of Godfred
• Olaf, d. 1153, son of Godfred
• Godred, d. 1187, son of Olaf, who lost most of the Kingdom to Somerled's family
• Reginald,fl. 1164, son of Olaf, half-brother of Godred, he and successors ruled only in Northern Isles
• Godred, restored
• Reginald, d. 1229, son of Godred
• Olaf the Black, s. 1237, son of Godred, half-brother of Reginald
• Godred, d. 1231, son of Reginald
• Harald, d. 1248, son of Olaf
• Reginald, d. 1249, son of Olaf
• Harald,fl. 1249, son of Godred
• Magnus, died 1265, son of Olaf

In Magnus's lifetime,Ewan MacDougall, a descendant of Somerled, was appointed king of the Hebrides byHaakon, the Norwegian king. Magnus remained titular king of Man. In the year after Magnus died, in 1266, theTreaty of Perth was signed, transferring overlordship of the Isles and Man to the Scottish king.

Bibliography

• Crovan dynasty
• Monarchs of the Isle of Man
• Scandinavian Scotland
• Norse-Gaelic monarchs
• 11th-century establishments in Scotland
• 12th century in Scotland
• 13th century in Scotland
• 13th-century disestablishments in Scotland

• Articles with short description
• Short description is different from Wikidata
• Use dmy dates from November 2019