Archiepiscopal Palace
The Archiepiscopal Palace, now Kevin Street Garda Station, has a rich history dating back to the late 12th century. Built by Archbishop John Comyn, the first Anglo-Norman to rule the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough, the palace served as the main residence for the Protestant Archbishops of Dublin for centuries. It was originally fortified, with the River Poddle acting as a natural barrier against potential attacks from the native Irish.
Situated near the ancient Slighe Cualann, a key route leading to Tara, the palace was ideally positioned both strategically and symbolically. The site also housed a small church dedicated to St. Patrick, honouring the location where he was said to have preached. The palace derived its name, St. Sepulchre, from the Crusaders’ efforts to reclaim the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, reflecting the religious fervour of the time.
Throughout its history, the palace endured various conflicts, including damage during the Bruce Invasion of 1315. Despite this, it remained a central residence for the archbishops, who also controlled extensive lands stretching from Harold’s Cross to Donnybrook and Crumlin. By the 14th century, the palace was surrounded by a bustling suburban district with mills on the Poddle River and numerous holdings in nearby streets.
In 1806, during the tenure of Charles Agar, the Earl of Normanton, the palace was handed over to the British government. It eventually became the headquarters of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. Although much of the original structure has been altered, remnants of the old St. Sepulchre’s can still be seen today, including a 16th-century window and parts of the vaulted kitchens. The site, now central to modern Dublin’s urban development, serves as a reminder of its sacred and historic significance, even as it faces potential changes with new street plans.
Association with Poddle
The Palace in the 14th century was fortified, with the River Poddle acting as a natural barrier against potential attacks from the native Irish. We could not find any map evidence of this. However, the Archbishop grounds previously spread to Cross Poddle, at the junction of Dean and Patrick St. and this would most likely been part of a larger fortification mentioned in the newspaper articles. In 1751, the nearby Poddle Guard, a group of 20 men, intervened when an angry mob stormed the Palace to seek revenge for the killing of William Jackson, who had been trying to steal from the Archbishops grounds.
What the Newspapers Say
- In 1751, William Jackson, a butcher from Kevin Street, was shot while attempting to climb the Bishop of Elphin’s garden wall (Archiepiscopal Palace), after recent thefts. Days later, Jackson’s family, supported by a crowd, stormed the Bishop’s house to capture the shooter. Their vigilante justice was thwarted by the Poddle Guard, summoned by Justice Drury.
- The article discusses the historical significance of a site in Dublin, now home to Kevin Street Garda Station. Originally the Palace of the Protestant Archbishop of Dublin, it was built in the late 12th century by Archbishop Comyn and fortified with the River Poddle as a defensive barrier. The Palace, known as St. Sepulchre, played a significant role in Dublin’s religious and political history. Though much of the original structure is gone, some remnants remain, including part of the original wall and vaulted kitchens. The article emphasises the importance of preserving these historical elements amidst future urban development plans.