Case for Support
Fulham Palace is a truly magical place. It was one of the earlier historic powerhouses situated
alongside the Thames, and it remains a place of remarkable quality and beguiling charm. It is now
somewhere to drop into for a moment’s peace or to meet a friend; to take your parents or your
children; to see the changing seasons in the garden; or revisit the museum and a favourite historic
room. Like me, you will find that the site holds rich stories of its own history but also evokes
individual memories of precious time passed here.
The site was occupied during the Neolithic, Iron Age and Roman periods. From the medieval age it
was encircled by the largest domestic moat in England, and part of this can still be seen today. The
origins of the Palace date from 704 AD and, for more than twelve centuries, it was the summer
residence of the Bishops of London. The bishops’ importance to our heritage cannot be overstated.
Their individual stories offer human insights into such major events as the Viking incursions, the
persecution of the Reformation, the colonisation of North America and the campaign against
slavery. Many of the bishops improved the house and landscaped the gardens in an outward show
of their wealth and importance, as well as to provide a comfortable home in which to bring up their
families and run the diocese.
This is now one of the most exciting moments in Fulham Palace’s long history. Much restoration
work has already been achieved thanks to the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the London
Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. But we have more to do. The final phase of restoration will
return the gardens and the oldest parts of the Palace such as the Tudor Courtyard and Great Hall to
their original splendour. We want to deepen the connection that our users make with the site’s rich
architectural and horticultural heritage, widen our audience, increase our visitor numbers, and
create a positive future for the site. We are therefore working hard to secure £5.5million over the
next few years to deliver a fully restored and renewed Palace and Gardens. Part of this will be the
establishment of a healthy endowment. This is as important as the restoration work itself because it
will be the basis of our long-term financial stability, supporting every area of the Palace’s activity
including community events, learning and exhibition programmes.
The Walled Garden will show how horticultural styles have changed over the centuries and provide a
tranquil space for our visitors. Excavation of the moat and grounds will reveal the stories of the site’s
incredibly rich history. Historic room displays and new interpretation will enable visitors to imagine
how the Bishops of London and their staff lived in their beautiful summer house, the role the
bishops played in running the country, and their importance overseas. Local businesses and
individuals will be able to hire an outstandingly beautiful venue with all the practical facilities for
events, weddings and meetings. The shop will be enhanced and the café will continue to be a
vibrant meeting place for local residents and visitors alike. All of this will significantly increase
opportunities for learning and community involvement as more and more exceptional heritage and
beauty is restored and renewed.
We have this wonderful ambition in our sights, and our previous success has convinced us that we
can do it. However, it is not something we can achieve in isolation. I call upon the full support of
our local community and friends to help us. Please join me in giving to Fulham Palace to help ensure
it becomes the place it deserves to be. Thank you.
Tim Ingram
Chairman, Fulham Palace Trust