The great gate to the Abbey fronts the north : above the arch had been a Iarg c 
gallery, with a window at each end. At the north-weft corner of the monafterf 
Hand the walls of the regality prifon, of great ftrength and thicknefs: within arc 
two vaults ; and over them fome light apartments. The prifon did belong to the 
convent j which refigned this part of its jurifdiaion to a layman, whom the reli- 
gious elefted to judge of criminal affairs. The family of Airly had this office before 
the Reformation, and continued poffeffed of it till the year 1747, when it *** 
fold, and vefted in the crown with the other heretable jurifdi&ions. 
The Monks were of the Tyronenfian order* and were firft brought from KelJo> 
whofe Abbot declared thofe of this place, on the firft inftitution, to be free fro^ 
his jurifdidtion. On the Reformation, John Hamilton was Commandatory Abbo * 
In 1608, it was erected into a barony, in favour of his fon James j then was con 
veyed to the Earl of Dyfart ; and finally bought, by Patrick Maule , of PanmMo 
with the patronage of thirty-four pounds* 
I 
4 
