An Cosantóir

30 | ON HALLOWED GROUND by Paul O���Brien MA Pictures by DF Photographers and main image courtesy of Military Archives Flag bearers from each of the brigades, the Air Corps and Naval Service, at the wreath-laying ceremony in 2010. O n the north side of Dublin city, hidden away amongst the side streets is Arbour Hill, an area whose church and cemetery are a place of pilgrimage to many, yet whose existence is not even known to many more. This locality, steeped in history, has an important place in the annals of the Irish Defence Forces. Passing its church and walking through the old cemetery, one comes across a memorial to 14 of the men whose executions in 1916 led ultimately to the foundation of our state. However, the story of Arbour Hill is a story of change. It is a place that has undergone a metamorphosis, growing from humble beginnings to become a place of national importance. The area was first developed by Vikings in the 11th Century. Later, the area was partially owned by Christ Church cathedral and was used for the storage of corn. It is from this period that the name Arbour Hill derives, from its Irish name, ���Cnoc an Arbhair���, which translates as Corn Hill. In the following centuries Dublin continued to expand and further developments took place, the most prominent being the purchasing of land from the Duke of Ormond by the British crown to construct a military barracks. In 1701 the An Cosant��ir April 2013 www.dfmagazine.ie grounds were prepared for the construction of the Royal Barracks, Wreath-laying ceremony at the Arbour Hill plot in 2010. thus beginning the development of Arbour Hill as a military district that would in time encompass not only a barracks but also a provost prison, a hospital, schools, a garrison chapel and a cemetery. The garrison church and the adjoining prison were constructed in the 1840s. A number of architects, both military engineers and professionals from the Board of Works, were involved in the construction and by 1845 the buildings were completed. The design for the church was not original but was copied from the National Scotch Church (since demolished), in Bow Street, London, which was originally designed by Robert Wallace. Throughout the next period of its history, the garrison church at Arbour Hill echoed to the sound of the thousands of British soldiers who marched through its doors to attend services.

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