The Botanic Garden at Fulham Palace. PICTURE: M BRUCE
The next few weeks are set to be busy at one of H&F’s most important historic buildings, Fulham Palace, set in the splendid surroundings of Bishops Park.
As the Grade l listed building was remodelled many times by successive Bishops of London who enjoyed it as their principal residence for 1,300 years, the palace is staging a Grand Designs-style family fun day on Sunday 26 January.
Costumed guides in 18th century dress will be swanning around the palace and grounds, pointing out alterations made in the 18th and 19th centuries, and answering visitors’ questions.
The interactive family day is free to attend and is a great introduction to different generations to look round the restored rooms, tour the museum and admire the courtyard and wonderful doorways.
You can have your silhouette cut, make a Gothic window, flounce around in a frock coat, create a fan… and get hands-on with the archaeology of architecture.
The palace houses the second oldest botanic garden in London, and you can stroll around the 13 acres, and meet the palace’s oldest resident, a 500-year-old holm oak tree.
The event lasts from 11am to 3pm and is free to all. Simply drop in.
There’s a different theme to the family fun day planned at the palace near Putney Bridge on Sunday 23 February under the banner The Kingmaker.
Again, the day is free and runs from 11am-3pm, celebrating the day, in 1689, when the succession of King William lll and Queen Mary ll was confirmed by parliament.
The Bishop of London, Henry Compton, risked his life when he joined other noblemen and invited William to take the throne from King James II.
There’s a chance to explore a period of intrigue, rebellion and treason. There’ll be activities and crafts, you’ll be able to compose secret letters and learn about some remarkable history.
Then on Friday 28 February there’s a real dressy gala... Opera at the Palace.
Bishops Palace has partnered again with the National Opera Studio for an enchanting evening featuring a selection of arias from classic works, showcasing the talents of four young professional opera singers.
It’s a chance to hear the opera stars of the future in an intimate setting, and the evening is accompanied by a three-course dinner, with two courses served in one of the historic rooms before the concert, and dessert and coffee served afterwards.
Dinner starts 6pm, with a request to email any special dietary requirements when you make your booking to mail@fulhampalace.org
Tickets are £25 (£65 with a three-course meal).
See more details of all events at Fulham Palace.
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