Hidden Garden in London – A visit to Fulham Palace Walled Garden

It was an early morning visit to Fulham Palace located a short walk from Putney Bridge Underground Station. I would have passed this Putney Bridge so many times in the past and never knew there was a palace or walled garden here. I was so intrigued when I received the invite from Instagramers London that I had to go.

A bit of History and Future Plans

Fulham Palace is home of the Bishops of London purchased in AD 704 which served as country retreat for the bishops and their families before becoming the bishop’s permanent residence in the early 20^th century. There is so much history here and with the help of Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources, Fulham Palace trust is embarking on £3.8 million three year restoration project if you are interested in volunteering they have number of ways to do that. It is truly about the community and to preserve the heritage for the future generations to enjoy.

There are two entrances, the main entrance via Bishop’s Avenue you are welcomed with the beautiful Gothic Lodge just look at the stunning chimneys followed by the open courtyard or you can take a short walk from the underground station via the woodland to reach the walled garden.

The Walled Garden

We were welcomed by the team at Fulham Palace and the current Head Gardener Lucy Hart who has experience working in Kew Royal Botanical Garden.

The historic walled garden was built between 1766 and 1768 by renowned architect Stiff Leadbetter for Bishop Terrick. The garden underwent a major restoration in 2011-2012 and the original knot garden design was reinstated, the colours inspired by Bishop Blomfield’s coat of Arms – red, blue and yellow.

When I walked into the Tudor Gate entrance I was welcomed with curves of wisteria which is more than 150 years old, the oldest in London a beautiful sight can you imagine when they are in full bloom the whole walled garden to be wrapped in these beautiful flowers so I make a mental note to visit then.

Against the wall you can find metal framed glass greenhouse housing vegetables and herbs which is part of volunteer run Market Barrow and can be brought on sale days.

The garden besides growing vegetable have an amazing apple orchard housing five bee hives which produces an award winning honey and one can also learn to be a bee keeper here. There are three Tudor bee boles I am not posting a photo of them but I will leave it to you to discover and enjoy spotting them.