Ragnvald, earl of Orkney (d.1158)
- Biography
- Ragnvald (Rögnvaldr Kali Kolsson) claimed the earldoms of Caithness and Orkney through his mother, Gunnhild, daughter of Earl Erlend (d. 1099). His cousin was Harald Maddadson, earl of Caithness and Orkney (d. 1206). They agreed to each hold half the earldom of Orkney. In late summer 1151, Earl Rögnvald went to Palestine on a pilgrimage and arrived back in Orkney by Christmas 1153, during which time Harald was sole ruler of the two earldoms. Another cousin, Erlend (d. 1153), son of Harald Smooth-Tongue, contested Rögnvald's claims while he was absent and was given his half of Caithness by Mael Coluim IV; he then claimed half of Harald's share of Orkney from King Eystein of Norway. After Erlend's death on the island of Damsay, Harald and Rögnvald ruled as co-earls. Rögnvald was murdered on 20 August 1158 by Thorbjorn Clerk at Forsie, Caithness, and was buried at St Magnus's Cathedral in Kirkwall.
http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/49351
- Floruits
- 1151 × 1187
- Related Place
- Orkney
- Grantor Beneficiary relationships
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