Blighty, the blitz and barrage balloons: the Palace at war

Join us for a free family fun day for all ages as we discover what Fulham Palace was like during WWII!

During WWII, Fulham Palace was home to WAAFs, evacuees and barrage balloons, as well as Bishop Fisher and his family. Come and experience what life was like at the Palace during the war and living life on the home front.  Travel back in time as you dress up as an evacuee and get billeted to Fulham Palace.

From crafts, storytelling, activities and live reenactors from Home Front History, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family!

This is a free event drop-in event, no booking is necessary.

Activities for all

Registration

Everyone needs to register for their identity cards – you don’t want to caught out by the military police without your card!

Home Front History

Join Home Front History and meet members of the Home Guard, ASF, ARP and more to learn what life was like on the homefront.

Make do & mend

It’s important we save materials for the war effort. Create your own toy using recycled materials.

Morse code challenge

Can you decipher secret messages? Use the real morse code machine to create your own coded messages!

Bombs & barrage balloon tour

Join Alexis the archaeologist on a guided tour. Explore the locations of the barrage balloon, a secret shelter and where bombs were dropped. Discover the role of WAAFs at the Palace.

Ask a question

John grew up in West London during the Blitz. Ask John your questions and hear all about what his life and memories as a child during WWII.

Hands-on history

Barrage balloons and bookends, join us in Bishop Porteus’ library and get hands-on with history! Hear from our volunteers and handle real artefacts from our collection.

Cloth & costumes

Get your clothing coupons ready and dress up in 1940s finest using our costume collection. The sewing bee volunteers are preparing for the war effort, be sure to stop by and see what they’re sewing.

Heroes with grimy faces

Join Michael Webb as he tells the story about what life was like for WWII fireman during the blitz.

Story corner

From Edmund the Palace cat’s adventure with the barrage balloon to Goodnight Mr Tom, tuck yourself away in our story corner filled with books and tales from World War II.

Dig for victory

See the land girls at work and support the war effort! Visit the historic walled garden and explore the home-grown produce.

Tinned taste test

Test your tastebuds and try the tinned goods that were popular during the war. *This activity is not suitable for those with any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Rations & recipes

Rationing during the war caused many ingredients to be in short supply and many people had to get creative. Can you complete the culinary challenge and identify the authentic rationing recipes?