Ancient Aristocracy Overseas
- See also: Norse activity in the British Isles, Scandinavian Scotland, Scandinavian York, Early Scandinavian Dublin, Lord of the Isles, Lord of Galloway, Diocese of Sodor and Man, and Norse-Gaels
Primarily between the 800s and the 13th century, (vassal) kingdoms and earldoms were created overseas. Norwegian aristocracy was thus not limited to mainland Norway, but appeared in and ruled parts of the British Isles as well as Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Among the entities established or possessed by Norwegians, were the Kingdom of Dublin (839–1171), the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles (836–1164), the Earldom of Orkney (800s–1470), and the Mormaerdom of Caithness (900s–1476).
Some aristocratic families in the British Isles are of Norse origin, among others the Cotter family in Ireland.
Read more about this topic: Norwegian Nobility
Famous quotes containing the words ancient and/or aristocracy:
“Universal empire is the prerogative of a writer. His concerns are with all mankind, and though he cannot command their obedience, he can assign them their duty. The Republic of Letters is more ancient than monarchy, and of far higher character in the world than the vassal court of Britain.”
—Thomas Paine (1737–1809)
“Nothing is quite so wretchedly corrupt as an aristocracy which has lost its power but kept its wealth and which still has endless leisure to devote to nothing but banal enjoyments. All its great thoughts and passionate energy are things of the past, and nothing but a host of petty, gnawing vices now cling to it like worms to a corpse.”
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859)