PREFACE. C THIS work will be found to comprise the following important objects: 1st, Historical Memoirs of Armagh, with a statistical account of that city. 2d, Biographical sketches of the various prelates who presided, in succession, over the see of Armagh, from the year 445 till the reformation. 3d, A biographical account of the Protestant archbishops of Armagh, primates of all Ireland, from the period of the reformation till the year 1818. 4th, A similar account of the lives of the Roman Catholic archbishops of Armagh, or titu. lar primates of all Ireland. 5th, A narrative of various important events in the general history of Ireland, in which the archbishops of Armagh, and the church of Ireland, were either directly or indirectly concerned. 6th, An account of the establishment of Presbyterian congregations, and of other religious societies in the city of Armagh; with biographical sketches of the Presbyterian ministers in regular order. 7th, Various matters relating to the trade, manufactures, antiquities, manners, customs, learning and religion of the country, &c. which are either interspersed through the work, or subjoined in appendices. In giving a biographical account of the Roman Catholic archbishops of Armagh, subsequent to the reformation, and in discussing many other topics comprised in these Memoirs, the author has attempted to elucidate subjects hitherto untouched.-It would be presumptuous in him to assert that he has successfully perfected his intended outline; but he is conscious of having written without prejudice, and of having aimed solely at the establishment of truth. The duties of a laborious avocation have, indeed, materially impeded the progress of his researches. Yet he fondly hopes a discerning public will do him the justice to believe, that he has bestowed a considerable share of attention on these Memoirs, and he humbly conceives that he has thrown some additional light on a very interesting portion of Irish history. To the judgment of that tribunal, he submits his work, with the most respectful deference. The author had intended to annex a view of the Sessions-house, lately built in the city of Armagh, to these Memoirs. He finds, however, that the engraving cannot be executed in time for the publication of his work, and he has, therefore, substituted a view of the Classical School or College, in its place. ERRATA. Page 58, line 24, after Amelarius, insert "singe the days of St. Peter." Page 90, line 12, for mansion house read church. Page 95, line 6, after August, add 778." Page 113, line 31, for six, read faur. Page 125, line 21, for 1st of September, read 29th of August-line 29, for Domnach, read Domnald. Page 188, last line, for 29. read 26. Page 203, line 14, for same, read following. Page 361. line 1, for surrounded, read surveyed. Page 362, line 20, for surrounded, rend surveyed. Page 505, line 3, for habits, read modes...line 1, in the note, after Colgan, add from Cambrensis, and for 1630," read "1185"...line 10, after Irish feasts, insert such as those.- Page 517, line 1, for outports, read outvoices. Page 559, line 15, before Messrs, insert Robert Livingston, Esq." Page 566, line 24, for sua read sui.-See also last page annexed to the Index. |