Manx revolt of 1275 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Manx revolt of 1275
Date 1275 Location Mann Result Revolt put down by Scots
Belligerents
Crovan dynasty	Scottish Crown
Commanders and leaders
Godred Magnusson	Alexander III

The Manx revolt of 1275 was an uprising on the Isle of Man in 1275, led by Guðrøðr Magnússon. The uprising initially expelled the Scots, who had received the Isle of Man in 1266 by the Treaty of Perth from the Kingdom of Norway. King Alexander III of Scotland responded by sending a large fleet and troops to crush the rebellion.

Background

Alexander III of Scotland, undertook a campaign to renew his kingdom's struggle to wrest the Hebridean region and Isle of Man from Norwegian overlordship. In so doing, Alexander III provoked a retaliatory military response from Haakon IV of Norway, resulting in the Battle of Largs and Haakon's wintering at Orkney. The campaign ultimately ended in failure with the latter's weakening health and death in 1263.

With Haakon's death Alexander III seized the initiative, and oversaw a series of invasions into the Isles and northern Scotland. Recognising this dramatic shift in royal authority, Magnús Óláfsson, King of Mann and the Isles, submitted to Alexander III within the year, and in so doing, symbolised the complete collapse of Norwegian sovereignty in the Isles. The following year, Magnús died without a legitimate heir to succeed him. In 1266, Alexander III pacifically secured the Hebrides and Mann from Hákon's son and successor, Magnús Hákonarson, King of Norway (died 1280), by way of the Treaty of Perth.

Following the conclusion of the treaty, Alexander III entrusted control of Mann into the hands of royal officials. Four such bailiffs or justiciars are known to have been appointed to govern the island: a certain "Godredus Mac Mares"; Alan, illegitimate son of Thomas fitz Roland, Earl of Atholl (died 1231); a certain "Mauricius Okarefair" / "Mauricio Acarsan"; and Reginald, the king's chaplain. Scottish exchequer records also reveal that the Scottish Crown held several Manx hostages as a means to ensure order on the island.

Revolt

Guðrøðr Magnússon led a revolt on the island against the Scottish Crown, taking possession of the island's strongholds and ejecting the Scottish representatives in the process.

Aftermath

Scotland's rule over the Isle of Man was confirmed after putting down the revolt, however Scottish rule was not long-lasting, and in 1290 the Manx was under the possession of Edward I of England after an expedition by Walter de Huntercombe. The Isle of Man remained in English hands until 1313, when Robert I of Scotland took it after besieging Castle Rushen for five weeks. A confused period followed when Man was sometimes under English rule and sometimes Scottish, until 1346, when the Battle of Neville's Cross decided the long struggle between England and Scotland in England's favour.