A historical attraction based in Fulham is planning restoration in the future.
Imogen Arcangeli, membership and individual giving manager at Fulham Palace Trust, spoke about plans to further restore Fulham Palace.
“We have some very exciting plans to further restore the house and garden over the next few years,” she said.
She explained the Palace was in the early stages of the fourth phase of restoration.
This will involve completing the restoration of the Tudor Court, restoring the Victorian Chapel, building a bigger event space, creating new gardens and undertaking landscaping works.
Arcangeli noted that the cost of living crisis had impacted the palace, however, with rising costs expected.
She mentioned that the palace costs £4,000 per day to stay open, and receives no government funding.
Arcangeli added: “We are very grateful to our generous supporters and volunteers who allow us to continue our educational work with the community, continue our research and restoration of our historic site, and run the many activities which take place across this unique historic site.”
To help deal with the financial side of the project, Arcangeli said the National Lottery Heritage Fund had contributed to the past three restoration projects.
She said she hoped they will help with the fourth project too, with around half of the funding hopefully coming from the fund.
Regarding the importance of the palace for the community, Arcangeli said it plays a vital part for those around.
“The Palace has a very strong place in the local community as a free entry site which is open to all,” she said.
She also emphasised the way in which the new restoration plans would benefit the community, with more events and public spaces.
Arcangeli also spoke about how the outdoor environment can benefit people – adults as well as children.
“During the last few years, we have all come to appreciate our outdoor spaces more than ever before,” she said.
Regarding the history of the palace, Arcangeli noted its exciting past.
“The captivating history of Fulham Palace spans over 10,000 years, from the Neolithic period, through the Roman era, to the present date,” she said.
The site was also owned by the Bishop of London from 704 to 1974 and Arcangeli finds the range of artefacts found in archaeological digs especially interesting.
The palace hosts numerous events, including educational ones, engaging with 22,863 learners in 2021-22.
The palace also holds temporary exhibitions, with new displays throughout the year.
Arcangeli said that the public events they host help to spread awareness and promote their work.
People can support the work they do through donating and contributing to their campaigns.
Featured image credit: Jamie White.
