On Wed 19 October 2016, Fulham Palace Trust hosted a Tudor themed dinner in support of the current restoration project Discovering the Bishop of London’s Palace at Fulham. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall was guest of honour and the guest speaker was The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, and Patron of Fulham Palace Trust.
Her Royal Highness met guests, including staff and supporters, and presented the Bishop of London with the Bishop Compton’s medal in recognition of his support for the Trust. The dinner marked Dr Chartres’ final public appearance at Fulham Palace as the Bishop of London before he retires from his post in February 2017.
Guests, including Sir Timothy and Lady Sainsbury, BBC presenter Sophie Raworth and Fulham Palace Patrons, Friends and supporters, arrived through the Tudor Courtyard for a drinks reception in the Bishop Terrick Drawing Room before enjoying a sumptuous dinner in the Great Hall that replicated, on long refectory tables, a great feast during the Tudor period. We know that Queen Elizabeth I visited Fulham Palace on at least two occasions and dined in the same Great Hall. To complete the evening, guests were entertained with 16th century songs by Scholars from All Saints Parish Choir.
Guests learnt about the £3.7m restoration project, which will restore the iconic Tudor Quadrangle that contains the 15th century Great Hall, create a new orientation gallery and exhibition space in the Tudor Quadrangle; provide room dressing, objects, and interpretation in historic rooms; improve orientation and access; and provide increased opportunities for engagement.
Fulham Palace Trust is actively fundraising to raise the match funding needed in order to deliver the restoration project alongside funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The restoration campaign received a boost this month when top 100 law firm Russell-Cooke Solicitors announced they were renewing their corporate partnership with Fulham Palace. The firm, which has an office just across the river from the Palace in Putney, will make a further donation to the appeal and continue to support the expansion of the Friends and Patrons membership groups.
