Down, diocese of

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Down, diocese of (diocese of Dún Lethglaisse). The Irish bishopric of Down was listed at the Councils of Raithbressail (1111) and Kells-Mellifont (1152) as a diocese in the province of Armagh. It was united with Connor in 1453. Whereas most of medieval Ulster was Gaelic, Co. Down was English. Since the Reformation both the Catholic and Anglican sees have been known as ‘Down and Connor’. In the Anglican church, however, Dromore was united with it (1842). With the separation of Connor (1944), the Anglican see is now known as ‘Down and Dromore’. There are cathedrals at both locations.

Revd Dr William M. Marshall

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