After a long night’s sleep then multiple cups of tea, we set out on the river tow path, walking north towards Putney Bridge and Fulham Palace. Along the way we admired the Egyptian geese.

Fulham Palace became the home of the Bishops of London starting in 704 when the Bishop of Hereford granted the manor of Fulham to Bishop Waldhere. The last Bishop to reside there left in 1973, and in 1975 the building was leased by the Burroughs of London and Fulham. Two restorations have been undertaken, and now the palace houses numerous exhibit rooms and a lovely café looking out into the large walled garden.

We enjoyed standing in a room where Elizabeth I had dinner in 1601, admired the bones of one of the first turkeys eaten in the UK, and contemplated the Anglican Church’s long ties to slavery. Its hard to understand how Bishop Bielby Porteus could be such a strong figure in the movement to abolish transatlantic trade in slaves without being against slavery itself. Kudos to the museum for openly tackling this complicated history.

We walked out through the garden into All Saints Putney, where three Elizabethan memorials caught our eyes.

Margaret’s plaque explains that she was married for 17 years, had 7 sons and 2 daughters (3 of whom died as infants), and then “yielded her soul” at the age of 33.

Another grave stone from about the same time memorialized a beloved son and father, listed his many civic accomplishments, and, after noting he died at just age 33, exhorted the reader to reflect upon his generous life and “contemplate that tonight you may be called upon to yield your soul.”

We exited the church at the other end and stopped to admire the lovely almshouses just outside of the church yard.

One of the residents helpfully explained they’re still running as a charity. She noted that when she moved in (20 years ago) you had to be over 60 to apply. Now its only over 50 and the young people just aren’t as community minded–they’re too busy going out at night.