APPENDIX II.
THE CHARTER OF NEWRY.
Copied and translated from the Original in the British Museum, from a copy given by John O’Donovan in Dublin Penny Journal, 1832-33, p. 102.
Maurice M’Laughlin, King of all Ireland, to all his Kings, Princes, Nobles, Leaders, Clergy and Laity, and to all and each the Irish present and to come, GREETING.
Know ye that I, by the unanimous will and common consent of the Nobles of Ultonia, Ergallia (Oriel), and O’Neach (Iveagh), to wit of Donchad O’Carroll, King of all Ergallia, and of Murchad his son, King of O’Meith, and of the territory of Erthur, of Conla, King of Ultonia, of Donald O’Heda, King of O’Neach (Iveagh), HAVE GRANTED AND CONFIRMED, in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Patrick, and St. Benedict, the Father and Founder of the Cistercian Order, to the monks serving God in Nyvorcintracta (Newry) as a perpetual and pure donation, the land of O’Cormac, whereon was founded the monastery of Athcrathin, with its lands, woods, and waters, Enancratha, with its lands, woods, and waters, Crumglean, with its lands, woods, and waters, Caselanagan, with its lands, woods, and waters, Lisinelle, with its lands, woods, and waters, Croa Druimfornac, with its lands, woods, and waters, Letri, Corcrach, Fidglassayn, Tirmorgannean, Connocol, etc. These Lands with their Mills, I have confirmed to the aforesaid monks of my own proper gift, for the health of my soul, that I may be partaker of all the benefits of masses, hours (i.e. vespers and matins), and prayers that shall be offered in the Monastery itself, and to the end of time.
And because I have founded the Monastery of Ybar cintracta (Newry), of my own free will, I have taken the monks so much under my protection, as sons and domestics of the faith, that they may be safe from the molestations and incursions of all men.
I will also that, as the Kings and Nobles of O’Neach (Iveagh), or of Ergallia (Uriel), may wish to confer certain lands on this Monastery, for the health of their souls, they may do so in my lifetime, while they have my free will and licence, that I may know what and how much of my Earthly Kingdom, the King of Heaven may possess for the use of His poor Monks.
The Witnesses and Sureties are:—
Giolla MacLiag, Archbishop of Armagh, holding the Staff of Jesus in his hand.