Descendents of the Rulers of Heidabyr (Hedeby)

This research team is exploring the lives and times, ancestry and descendents of a branch of the Danish royal family. The team is particularly interested in descendents of the king named Hring (aka Anulo) who is perhaps named for the ring (Latin Curvus) fort that stood at Heidabyr "[fort of] heather on the field." Key symbols of Heidabyr include the raven (Latin Corvus) and the Hart, Stag (Latin Cervus). The family's early center of power and source of wealth derived from rule established over the cultural ancestral region of Angeln, a modern district located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany that included the market town of Heidabyr.

Crispin is one of the most ancient family names adopted by their descendents. Variations include Crepon (French), Krause (German), Freskin (Frisian), Crispin (Latin) and Friser (French). Crispin derives from the meaning of "curly," which, like the name Anulo, perhaps pertains to the semi-circular fort at Hedeby that curls in a crescent shape.

The subject family was especially known for the many powerful Sea-Kings, including Ragnar, Hasting and their sons. The family migrated south, establishing rule over Frisia, including Rustringen. Further migration south led to the rise of powerful states in Flanders (Flemings) and Normandy (Normans). Westward migration led to establishment of the Danelaw in England, including the Kingdoms of Northumbria and East Anglia, and the lands of the Five Boroughs of Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Stamford and Lincoln. The family is also known for influence and rule in Brittany, Maine, Anjou, Ireland, Central Europe, Spain, Italy and wherever else the Danes, Flemings and Normans ventured.

Tremendous discoveries have been made since this group was launched. As Crispin cousins, we are on a journey of discovery involving one of the most influential families in history.