Archbishop's Palace, Armagh Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Archbishop’s Palace, Armagh
North Facade
Location	Palace demesne
Nearest city	Armagh
Built	1770
Built for	Richard Robinson
Original use	Ecclesiastical Palace
Current use	Government Building
Architect	Thomas Cooley, Francis Johnston
Architectural style(s)	Neoclassical
Owner	Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon District Council

Listed Building – Grade A
Designated	25 June 1975
Reference no.	HB15/18/016

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The Archbishop's Palace, Armagh is a grand building in Northern Ireland. It sits on 300 acres of parkland, just south of Armagh city. This amazing building was once the main home for the Archbishops of Armagh (leaders of the Church of Ireland) for over 200 years, from 1770 to 1975.

After that, it became the main office for the local council, Armagh City and District Council. In 2015, local government changed in Northern Ireland. Now, the Palace is the office for the Lord Mayor of the new Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough.

The Palace was built because Archbishop Richard Robinson wanted a better home. He also wanted to improve the city of Armagh. The first design was by Thomas Cooley. Later, Francis Johnston added another floor. The building is a great example of Neo-Classical style. It became a protected building in 1975, known as a Grade A listed building.

History of the Palace
Exploring the Grounds
Images for kids
See also

History of the Palace

Archbishop Robinson, who commissioned the Palace

In 1765, Richard Robinson became the Archbishop of Armagh. This made him the most important leader of the Church of Ireland in the country. He wasn't happy with the small house he was given in Armagh. He also felt the city itself needed a lot of improvements.

So, Archbishop Robinson decided to build a new, grand palace. This was part of his big plan to make Armagh a thriving city again. Thomas Cooley designed the first two-story building. It was wide and deep, with many windows.

Later, in the 1820s, another architect named Francis Johnston added a third floor. This was done for Archbishop John George de la Poer Beresford. In 1834, someone visiting the palace said it was "in excellent order" and "laid out with much taste."

In 1871, the Church of Ireland changed how it was funded. Archbishop Knox worked to make sure the palace and its land could still be used. The palace stopped being the Archbishop's home in the 1970s. This was during the time of Archbishop Simms.

From 1975 to 2015, the building was used by the Armagh City and District Council. After local government changes in 2015, it became the office of the Lord Mayor. It is now part of the new Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough.

Exploring the Grounds

The Archbishop's Palace is surrounded by beautiful land. To the north, there are open grassy areas. To the south, you'll find thick woods with many sycamore trees. There are also some interesting old trees from the 1800s near the Palace. A golf course and more trees are on the north and northeast sides of the park.

Cool Features to See

The estate has several interesting man-made features:

A walled garden is at the north end. It has a garden house but isn't used for growing plants right now.
There's a glasshouse from the 1800s and an ice house to the west of the Palace.
The old stables and coach yard are now a visitor's centre.
You can also find the ruins of a Franciscan Friary and a Holy Well. This well is dedicated to Saint Brigid.

The Tall Rokeby Obelisk

At the highest point of the Palace grounds, called Knox's Hill, stands a very tall stone pillar. This is the Rokeby Obelisk, built in 1782–83. Archbishop Robinson had it built to give jobs to people in Armagh who were struggling.

The Obelisk gets its name from Rokeby Hall, which was his father's home in England. It's even mentioned in a famous poem called "Rokeby" by Sir Walter Scott.

The Obelisk is dedicated to Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland. He was a very important person who helped Archbishop Robinson become the Archbishop of Armagh. You can see the coats of arms (family symbols) of the Northumberland family and the Royal family on the bottom. Archbishop Robinson's own symbols and motto are on the pillar itself. His motto means "Born not for ourselves alone, but for the whole world."

The Rokeby Obelisk stands 113 feet tall! It is also a protected building, known as a Grade B listed building.

Primatial Chapel

Right next to the Palace is another important building called the Primatial Chapel. This chapel was also built for Archbishop Robinson. It is a very important building and is also a Grade A listed building.