We are seeking your views about what makes Fulham Palace special, what we could do even better and what we could learn from other, comparable sites. Your answers will help guide our thinking about the next phase of our restoration and renewal project here at Fulham Palace.
Project Summary
The restoration and renewal project will draw together and build upon the two preceding phases of restoration (2005/06 and 2011/12), providing the next stage of the site-wide restoration of Fulham Palace.
The project will undertake vital capital works to the Tudor quadrangle and Great Hall, with community and learning initiatives carried out in conjunction with and alongside the restoration and conservation processes. In summary, the project will:
- Restore the Tudor quadrangle, Great Hall & parts of the garden whilst also improving access
- Employ a Community Archaeologist and undertake site investigations/ excavations and provide new accessible storage for our existing archaeological archive
- Create a new visitor entrance area in the Tudor quadrangle with new exhibition spaces, orientation and interpretation through the palace and grounds
- Provide new training, learning, engagement and participation activities
- Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs whilst also improving overall business performance and viability.
The project will go some way towards realising our overarching vision for Fulham Palace, which is to “provide an insight, through the stories of the Bishops of London, into over 1,300 years of English history, and to become one of Great Britain’s most loved and inspiring historic houses and gardens”.
How can you help?
At the last volunteers meeting on Tuesday 15 September, volunteers were asked these 3 questions and below are some of their answers. What do you think? Do you agree, disagree or think something else entirely? We want to know.
1. How would you currently describe Fulham Palace?
"Hidden gem; haven; surprising."
"Tells a simplified version of English history through the stories on site."
"Hiding its light under a bushel"
"A spiritual place."
2. How would you like to be able to describe it in 5 years time?
"More of Compton’s original designs and planting but with consideration for today."
"Enjoyed by more people (but not swamped)."
"All historic periods represented as well as the history we are making now. "
"Attractive to tourists – on the London ‘must see’ list."
3. What other site would you like Fulham Palace to be compared too, and why?
"None! We are unique."
"Similarities with Great Dixter but we have more to offer. "
"Similar to Lambeth Palace, links to Kew (Wisteria) and to Garden History Museum."
Please have your say!
We would greatly appreciate it if you could let us know what you think in the comments section below or on the forum or by emailing your thoughts to Fran.