What is recorded here

Formerly located on a commanding eminence within Phoenix Park. In 1611 Sir Edward Fisher erected a country house in a prominent location at Thomas's hill where the Magazine Fort stands (Litton-Falkiner 1901, 470). In 1618 Fisher surrendered his position to the king who acquired the house and surrounding land for the kings representative in Ireland (Falkiner 1904, 48-50). From 1617 onwards it was known as His majesty's House at Kilmainham and called the Phoenix. In the 1650's Henry Cromwell resided at the Phoenix. He added a large wing, several stories high. In 1661 a chapel and hall were added (Ball 1906, 180-182). The Down Survey (1655-6) of the parish of Kilmainham shows a large gabled building with three chimneys. The house was demolished when the Magazine Fort was built in 1734. This was commented on by Swift who remarked 'Behold a proof of Irish Sense/here Irish wit is seen/when nothings left that's worth defence/They build a magazine' (Falkiner 1904, 52). Compiled by : Geraldine Stout Upload date: 07 June 2012

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