MOUNT-NORRIS

Samuel Lewis

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland

1837

MOUNT-NORRIS, or PORT-NORRIS, a village, in the parish of LOUGHGILLY, barony of UPPER ORIOR, county of ARMAGH, and province of ULSTER, 5 miles (S. S. E.) from Markethill (to which it has a penny post), on the road to Newry: the population is returned with the parish. The village is situated at the southern extremity of a morass extending from Pointz-Pass, a distance of five miles, and at the foot of the Balleek mountains; it derives its name from an important fortress erected in the reign of Elizabeth by General Norris to protect the pass between Armagh and Newry; and on the plantation of Ulster by James I. received a charter of incorporation and a grant of 300 acres of land. In the reign of Chas I. it was one of the strongest fortresses in this part of the kingdom. That monarch conveyed to Primate Ussher six townlands, comprising 1514 acres, for the purpose of founding a college here for the classical education of Protestants: this college was afterwards founded in Armagh, which was considered a more eligible situation: the income arising from these lands is £1377 per annum. The village contains 10 houses, mostly well built. Fairs are held on the second Monday in every month, for the sale of live stock, which are well attended.

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