Sigtrygg Caech

Sigtrygg Caech (or Sihtric) (died 927) was a Norse-Gael King of Dublin who later reigned as king of York. His epithet means the 'Squinty'. He belonged to the Uí Ímair kindred. The Annals of Ulster records the arrival of two viking fleets in Ireland in 917, one led by Ragnall and the other by Sigtrygg, both of the Uí Ímair kindred. They fought a battle against Niall Glundub in which the Irish were routed, and according to the annals Sigtrygg then "entered Áth Cliath", i.e. Dublin, which we must assume means that he took possession of it.^[1] Ragnall Uí Ímair went on to Scotland^[2], and then conquered York and became king there. Sigtrygg fought several battles with Niall Glundub. Warfare is recorded in 918, and in 919 Niall and several other Irish pettykings where killed in a major battle at Dublin.^[3]. This was probably the most devastating defeat ever inflicted on the Irish by the Norse, and Sigtryggs possession of Dublin seemed secure. Sigtrygg however left Dublin already in 920 or 921, the pious annalist claims he left "through the power of God".^[4] The truth of it was that Sigtrygg had ambititions elsewhere, and following Ragnall's death he became king of York. His kinsman Gothfrith ruled in Dublin. Sigtrygg attacked the kingdom of Mercia from the Mersey which formed part of the border between Mercia and the Viking Kingdom of York.^[5] He also commanded Viking forces in the Battle of Confey and other battles. In 926 he married King Athelstan of England's sister in a political move designed by Athelstan to build up his influence in the north of England. Sigtrygg died suddenly only a year later in 927.^[6] Sigtrygg's son Olaf, whom the Irish nicknamed Cuaran, later succeded him both as king of Dublin and of York.

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