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Archaeology

Roman settlers, Saxon squatters and Viking invaders — the archaeology of Fulham Palace has revealed an exciting history, recognised by its status as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means that archaeological digs are only carried out with the permission of Historic England.

A dog skeleton being uncovered by an archaeologist using a trowel

Digs on our 13 acre site have unearthed objects dating from the Neolithic period (between 4,000 and 2,200 BC) to the modern day. Each tells a story about how Fulham Palace was used and how it evolved over time.

And we’re still uncovering the site’s many layers with the help of our local community. Our community archaeology programme gives the public the rare chance to work with professional archaeologists on a site of great national significance.

Please note, metal detecting is not permitted on our site. 

Recent archaeological discoveries

Prehistoric to medieval finds

a late mesolithic early neolithic struck flint sitting on a brown leaf
two archaeologists examining the bronze age ring ditch
a roman nene valley pot lid
a roman arcadius coin
a medieval bronze finial
A struck flint from the Late Mesolithic, Early Neolithic period, around 6,000 years ago. Finds like this one indicate that the site of Fulham Palace has long been an important one. Discovered during the Cultivating Compton Dig in 2018.
A Bronze Age ring ditch, indicating the possible site of a low barrow. Discovered during the Cultivating Compton Dig in 2018.
A Roman Nene Valley Colour Coated pot lid with rouletted decoration from AD 200 to 400. Discovered during the Orchard Archaeology Dig in 2014.
A Roman coin from the reign of Arcadius, AD 395 to AD 408. As the last Roman coinage entered Britain in AD 402, this discovery is evidence that the site of Fulham Palace was occupied right up until the end of the 4th century. Discovered during the Orchard Archaeology Dig in 2014.
A decorative bronze medieval finial for a chest or casket. Discovered during our Dovecot Dig in 2017.

Tudor to present day finds

an antler teetotum in a persons outstretched hand
two white rectangular buckets filled with old animal bones
closeup of clay pipe with lamb of god image imprinted on it
an 18th century glass wine bottle with a whole in the right side
a steel picket laying on the green grass
A six-sided Tudor teetotum made from antler between 1480 and 1550. Teetotums were spinning tops used in gambling games. Discovered during our Dovecot Dig in 2017.
Animal bones, including 2 turkey bones, from between 1480 and 1550. As turkeys were first brought over from America to England around 1530, the bones are a testament to the power and influence the Bishop of London at the time. Discovered during our Dovecot Dig in 2017.
A clay tobacco pipe made between 1640 and 1660 stamped with the design of the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei). Discovered during our Dovecot Dig in 2017.
An 18th century glass wine bottle, recovered from underneath a floorboard during the recent restoration of the Tudor courtyard.
A steel picket, or ‘silent screw’, like those used during World War I as supports for barbed wire fencing. It could have been used for the barrage balloon that was on the Palace site during World War II. Discovered during our Dovecot Dig in 2017.

Discover more

women dressed as viking warriors for 1909 church pageant

History of the site

Discover our 6,000 year history.
a man and girl digging together during a community archaeology session

Community archaeology

Learn how you can be a part of uncovering our story.
bright blue and purple stage set up for outdoor theatre in the walled garden with actor in a bath tube and people sitting on the grass watching the performance

What's on

See what we've got planned and book your tickets.