Just off the Thames between Putney Bridge and Fulham you’ll find Fulham Palace.
From the 11th century all the way up until 1975, Fulham Palace was the residence of the Bishops of London (who are the third in seniority of all of the Anglican Bishops in England). The Palace stands in 12 acres of gardens, and its buildings are comprised of medieval and tudor elements, with a very fine early Victorian addition that faces out onto the gardens themselves. Inside the complex of buildings is a museum and gallery, with the museum focusing on the history of the site.
Arguably, the most remarkable feature of Fulham Palace are its series of walled gardens – there’s a newly-established knot garden and adjacent vinery just past the entrance to the gardens, and lots of species not native to the British Isles throughout its peaceful spaces (over the centuries the Bishops introduced plants from all over the world – Europe’s first magnolia bush was grown here, for example).
Entry to Fulham Palace and its walled gardens is free of charge, and its easily accessible from Putney Bridge tube station (the entrance to the Palace is at the far end of Bishops Park – just continue past All Saints Parish Church keeping the river to your left). All of the photographs of my visit can be found here.
About Pete Stean
