Archdeacon of Ardfert
The Archdeacon of Ardfert was a senior ecclesiastical officer within the Anglican Diocese of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe from the early thirteenth century[1] to the early twentieth.[2] As such he was responsible for the disciplinary supervision of the clergy [3] within his part of the Diocese of Ardfert (until 1666); and then the combined diocese of Limerick, Ardfert and Aghadoe. The archdeaconry can trace its history back to Florence, who was mentioned in a document in the Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin archives as holding the office circa 1227.[1] Two incumbents went on to hold bishoprics: John Smith (bishop of Killala and Achonry)[4] and Raymond d’Audemar Orpen.[5] Edward Day, Archdeacon 1782-1788, was a much-loved local figure, "a man of great erudition and unbounded benevolence". His grand-nephew Anthony Denny was also Archdeacon. The last discrete incumbent was William Foley. References
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