Bishop’s Avenue, SW6 6EA

Phone:

020-7736 3223

Website:

www.fulhampalace.org

Opening times:

Mon-Thu 12:30-14:30, Sun 12:00–17:00

How to get there:

Tube: Putney Bridge

Entry fee:

Free

Close to the river and Bishop’s Park, the site of Fulham Palace remained in the possession of the Bishopric of London from the early 8th century until 1973. The picturesque red-brick Tudor quadrangle that can now be seen on the approach to the museum is the earliest part of the building to survive, although much restored in the 19th century, around the time that the adjoining chapel was designed by William Butterfield in 1866. The museum is situated in the former Bishop’s dining room, in a late 18th-century building, and traces the history of the Bishops of London and Fulham Palace itself with a small collection of pictures, stained glass and archaeological finds.

The monastic botanical gardens founded here were developed in the 17th century by Bishop Compton, who introduced many rare species, some never before grown in Europe. Botanic beds, a herb garden and wisteria walk in the walled kitchen garden can still be seen.