Join us on a journey of discovery as we dig into the unknown!
With your support, we will dig into the archaeological history of Fulham Palace, sharing the treasures we uncover with you every step of the way. With evidence that the ancient site of Fulham Palace has been used for 11,000 years, just imagine what might be found underground!
Fulham Palace: Dig the History
Our Community Archaeology Dig is taking place over three weeks, between 9 and 29 October 2017. Two trenches will be dug west of the entrance to our Tudor Courtyard, where we believe both the earlier medieval manor house and the old Tudor dovecote stood. With previous digs uncovering evidence of the site being used during the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman and Saxon periods, this excavation will reveal even more secrets of the Palace’s history.
The dig is being led by our Community Archaeologist, Alexis Haslam. Alexis, working alongside professional archaeologists, will carry out the dig with the help of a team of 30 volunteers and students keen to learn about archaeology and the techniques involved in digging and recording a site. Through a series of workshops, the volunteers will be trained to a professional standard in digging, drawing plans and sections, cleaning and archiving finds, and more!
A series of public events and open days are planned throughout of the dig. Members of the public, families, uniform groups and schools will be able to get hands-on with this archaeology dig, and learn more about the wonderful world of archaeology and the fascinating history being discovered at Fulham Palace.
The impact your donation will have
Your donation will help ensure the dig goes ahead as planned and has a real, lasting impact. We want as many people as possible to get hands-on with this project, from visitors and volunteers to families and school groups. This is a rare opportunity to get involved with an actual archaeology dig on a site of national significance.
To do this we need:
- tools and materials
- health and safety equipment
- specialist training from professional archaeologists
- resources for learning activities and public events
Don’t just take our word for it! Hear directly from participants in our previous Community Archaeology Digs about the kind of impact this type of project has…
About Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace is an oasis in the heart of West London. Nestled next to the banks of the River Thames, right beside Putney Bridge, the site was home to the Bishops of London from AD 704 to AD 1973. For centuries the Palace was used by the bishops as a retreat from London, as well as a place to host royalty.
Today, the 13-acre botanical garden and Grade I Listed Palace are open to everyone free of charge all year round. The site is managed by the Fulham Palace Trust, an independent charity established in 2011.
Why we need your support
The Palace costs £1.1 million per year to run. We receive no government funding. We are entirely reliant on donations and income from private hires, rents, the café and shop.
This Community Archaeology Dig is an integral part of our £3.8 million restoration project, Discovering the Bishop of London's Palace at Fulham. This restoration is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, who has awarded the Trust just under £2 million.
Through this restoration project, visitors will be able to experience more of the Palace's historic rooms, learn about the history of the site and the Bishops of London through new interpretation, and take part in an exciting programme of public events.
Thanks to our supporters and a number of trusts and foundations, we are now only £245,000 away from our fundraising target. The donations raised through this crowdfunding campaign will help us get even closer to our goal!
Thank you
As a thank you for your support, we are delighted to offer a range of rewards, including:
For more details, please see the individual rewards on the right.
Our crowdfunding campaign is supported by:
Fulham Palace Trust is pleased to acknowledge the support of the following:
FARG, Fulham Benevolent Society, Golden Bottle Trust, The Antony Hornby Charitable Trust, The Barbara Whatmore Charitable Trust, The Grocers’ Charity, The Hintze Charitable Foundation, The Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Monument Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Wyfold Charitable Trust.