_Arch-priest in the Diocese of Exeter_ (Vol. ix., pp. 105. 185.).--A
question has been asked: "Does a dignity or office, such as rector of
Haccombe, exist in the Anglican Church?" I find something similar in the
case of the vicar of Newry, who is entirely free from ecclesiastical
control; he holds his appointment from the ex-officio rector (Lord
Kilmony), who derives his title from the original patent granted by Edward
VI. to his Irish Marshal Sir Nicholas Pagnall, who, on the dissolution of
the "Monasterium Nevoracense," obtained possession of the land attached,
and was farther granted:
"That he shall have all and singular, and so many and the like courts
leet, frank pledge, law days, rights, jurisdictions, liberties,
privileges, &c. &c., in as large, ample, and beneficial a manner as any
abbot, prior, convent, or other chief, head, or governor of the late
dissolved monastery heretofore seized, held or enjoyed," &c.
The seal of the ancient charter, on which is inscribed the legend,
"Sigillum exemptæ jurisdictionis de virido ligno alias Newry et Mourne," is
still used in the courts. A mitred abbot in his albe, sitting in his chair,
supported by two yew-trees, is also engraved on it; to perpetuate (it is
said) the tradition that these trees had been planted by St. Patrick in the
vicinity of the convent.