Seeking funding of over five million pounds to complete restoration
The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres has launched the third and final part of Fulham Palace's restoration project, which intends to return the historic home of the Bishops of London to its original splendour and beauty so it can be enjoyed by the local community.
The restoration aims to make Fulham Palace an outstanding place of history, beauty and learning to be enjoyed by the local community.
Work initially started at Fulham Palace in 2005, with grants provided by Heritage Lottery Fund, and as a result made good initial progress with the restoration process.
The early stages focused on the structure of the building, with a new roof and new gas, electricity and drainage systems put in place, laying the groundwork of the later developments.
Particular rooms were also restored, with many traditional elements such as painting schemes kept in place, and interesting finds preserved for display in the new in the Museum for visitors to view.
The second stage, which started in 2010, concentrated mainly on the exterior of the Palace and outbuildings, and as a result can guests now enjoy a stunningly developed vinery and gardens.
Parts of the moat were also excavated and developed, with visitors now being able to clearly see the Medieval Bridge which carries them into the Palace grounds.
Also a focus was the stable block, which had been adapted to become a well used education centre, having previously been used simply as a storage facility, thus showing the significant of these developments for the local community.
However, the trust still hopes to develop the Palace further, and with the help of donations, hopes to increase the opportunities for learning and community involvement, as more and more of Fulham Palace's history and beauty is restored and renewed.
Alongside the development of a new museum, the final phase of the project will be used to return the oldest parts of the Palace, such as gardens, the Tudor Courtyard and Great hall to its original splendour.
Work will also include creating historic room displays which will allow visitors to see how the previous Bishops of London used to live in this house, and will set out the important role which the Bishops played in running the country.
Patron of the Appeal to restore and renew Fulham Palace, The Bishop of London said at palace's annual Garden Party held last week: " This historic house is at the very heart of the community in Fulham sited alongside the Thames as it flows down towards the city and its many treasures. Yet it has remained for too long, on the periphery of London's rich collection of historic houses and gardens.
" I am glad and grateful to the Chair and Trustees for their vision and energy as they seek to renew and revitalise the ancient home of the Bishops of London."
Tim Ingram, Chairman of Fulham Palace Trust, said:" For too long Fulham Palace has been hidden from its own community, an almost secret place that only a few enjoyed. We want to change all that and make it central to the very essence of what Fulham is, to make Fulham Palace an outstanding place of history, beauty and learning.
" However, it is not something we can achieve in isolation. I call upon the full support of the local community and friends to help us ensure Fulham Palace becomes the place it deserves to be! Thank you."
July 29, 2013