Hello, my name is Annie Temple! A little about me: I recently graduated from university with a degree in Art History. I learned about Fulham Palace through a program at my school, and will be doing a three-month placement here before returning to the States. I am so excited to be in London, I have always wanted to visit. So far, I have seen Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the National Portrait Gallery, and some of the sites around Notting Hill. If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears :).
During my first week I got to visit the All Saints church, right next to the property. My task was to try to locate the tombs of the deceased Bishops. I spent several hours in the cemetery and in the church looking at different graves. The whole experience reminded me of one of my favorite walking spots back home that passes right through a cemetery. Every time I am there there is always an abundance of flowers and other parting gifts for the deceased. I always find it quite beautiful to see the ways the dead are not only being remembered, but celebrated. When I was walking through the church and the cemetery I felt that same sense of memoriam. I saw headstones and plaques that dated back to the 16th century! Although these people have long passed, they remain a part of modern viewers' lives.
In a sense, it reminded me of the importance of the preservation of historical sites. For me, there is something deeply profound about connecting with the past. In my studies, I loved learning about the preservation of historical sites. I think the experience they offer their viewer is completely different than that of a painting or sculpture. Historical sites allow the viewer the chance to literally step into the past, providing an important link to the past.
After visiting the cemetery I spent some time in the garden writing down what I could decipher from the tombstones to add to my account. It made me think of those who had spent part of their life walking and sitting in that same space. I am grateful that I got to feel connected to people who not only existed in a completely different point in time than me, but who also lived in a completely different country!. I am so excited to learn more about Fulham Palace and the people who used to live here. I also look forward to meeting other volunteers, so come say hi if you see me :).
The tomb of Bishop Robert Lowth and his wife, Mary Lowth in the All Saints Church cemetery.
Part of the All Saints Church Cemetery. This is behind the church and is said to be where most of the Bishops are buried. Due to time, lots of the plaques are highly faded, but some are still legible. The writing is slightly different than modern English, which is cool to see.
I loved getting to see the greenhouse. All of the colours were so pretty! My favorite place to sit in the garden is by the chickens.