Medieval moat found in Fulham

Tuesday June 30, 2009

An ancient moat that experts believe dates back to medieval times has been partly excavated at Fulham Palace.

Archaeologists have been digging at the site to research what is thought to have been a 1.4kilometre moat.

If they're right, it would be the longest medieval moat in England. Some historians say that the moat is older still, perhaps having origins in an Iron Age earthwork.

The team of experts have sunk 27 boreholes and dug three trenches around the moat as part of H&F Council's proposed restoration of Bishops Park and the grounds of Fulham Palace.

It is hoped that the investigation will reveal clues about how the moat was built, maintained and eventually filled in.

The first known reference dates back to 1392, but it was filled in during the 1920s by Fulham Council at the request of the Bishop of London, who lived in the palace.

That move led to public outcry and the issue was even raised in the Houses of Parliament.

Work at one of the trenches has uncovered a sluice gate that once controlled the flow of water between the moat and the Thames.

The gate is thought to date back to 1618 and is believed to have been rebuilt following a flood in 1842.

It seems to have been further remodelled in 1895 when the river embankment was constructed and Bishops Park laid out.

Though access to the trenches is currently restricted, keen-eyed members of the public can see the top of the sluice gate from Bishops Walk within Bishops Park.

Phil Emery of archaeology consultants firm Gifford has been leading the digging. He told h&f news: "This investigation has provided some very important insights into the history and the buried profile of the moat.

"We are also pleased to discover that the sluice gate, which controlled water levels in the moat, is largely intact."

Dr Scott Cooper, director of Fulham Palace, told h&f news: "It is absolutely fascinating to think that this moat used to encircle the palace.

"We have been watching the archaeological work with huge interest and it is thrilling to uncover one of the hidden treasures of the borough."

Meanwhile, H&F cabinet member Frances Stainton said the newly unearthed moat would be here to stay as the Heritage Lottery Fund bid will require the council to keep the old water feature under the entrance bridge, even if it is dry.

She said: "It has been quite enthralling to see this work take place.

"The fate of the Fulham Palace moat has been the topic of much discussion over the years so it is wonderful to be able to finally see parts of it emerge."

Last night, the director of excavations from the Fulham Archaeological Rescue Group led a public tour of the moat site.

Moat-cleaning hit the headlines last month when it was revealed an MP tried to claim the cost on expenses.