Fulham District
SW6

Nearest Tube: Putney Bridge

Fulham is the area of south-west London that lies on the north banks of the River Thames, just to the west of Chelsea. The area is believed to be named after the Saxon chief Fulla, who once lived in the area.
For much of its history the area was a rural one, with the main industry being market gardening. In fact the district used to be nicknamed 'the fruit and kitchen garden north of the Thames'.

Until the 19th century the area had several separate villages and settlements in it, all of which revolved around the powerful Fulham Palace, the country residence of the Bishops of London.

The area was also home to several of London's wealthy families who built country residences in Fulham and so the district first began to gain a reputation as a sought after and exclusive residential district.

Fulham's villages retained distinct characters right up until the late 19th century. But once the expansion of London reached the area, Fulham was quickly transformed. The villages merged together and the market gardens were replaced with rows of residential housing.

But Fulham retained a very genteel and elegant feel to it, and to this day the district has remained the home of London's wealthier residents. For tourists the main attraction in the area is Fulham Palace.

This massive building in Earl's Court covers an astonishing 12 acres and has the capacity for 20,000 people. It dates from 1937 when it was purpose built for entertaining and exhibiting and today it is still one of the main venues in London.

Opening times vary according to the current event or exhibition so it is best to phone in advance to find out details of what is on. Ticket prices also vary according to event.

Fulham Palace

Fulham Palace Road, SW6
Nearest Tube: Putney Bridge

Fulham Palace was the country home of the Bishops of London from the early 8th century, right up until 1973. The oldest part of the present Palace is the 16th century gateway, whilst other parts of the palace date from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Palace used to be the largest moated site in Europe, until the mile-long moat was filled in the early 20th century. What does remain, however, are the gardens, which are planted with a wide variety of herbs and rare plants, a collection believed to date back several hundred years.

There is a museum tracing the history of the Palace, which is open Wednesdays to Sundays 2pm-5pm. Admission is charged for adults. And on the second Sunday of every month there are guided tours of the Palace available  at an extra charge.