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Walking along the streets of Fulham feels like going back in time. The Victorian and Edwardian architecture gives the neighbourhood a distinct style that’s reminiscent of the 19th century.
However, that doesn’t mean Fulham is all about the old-world charm. It does have modern vibes that attract young professionals to live and thrive within the area. You’ve got trendy shops and sports clubs making the area come alive with various activities and events.
So if you want to explore the relaxed suburban living in London while having the major hustle and bustle of the city within reach, visit Fulham.
In this article, you’ll discover why Fulham is such an attractive space for young professionals and families. You’ll get information about the best places to eat, shop, socialise and live right beside the Thames River.
The History of Fulham
It was believed that the first settlers in Fulham were around 5,000 years ago. They were identified as Neolithic tribes. Other archaeological finds hinted at Bronze Age and Roman settlements in the area as well.
The Origins
The first mention of the word Fulham was in the form of Fulanham – which was back in 691 in a grant of the Bishop of London’s manor. In 1085, it was referred to as Fuleham in the Domesday Book. The name came from the Anglo-Saxon name ‘ful’ which means “muddy” and ‘ham’ which means “village” and together it makes Fulham the “muddy village.”
This is an apt description because Fulham is near the river – so the muddy land is normal. It also makes for a great farmland in London. This is why the original woodland was transformed into farmland that grew fruits and vegetables taken by boat to the Covent Garden for consumption. This also led to the growth of a fishing village within the vicinity of Putney Bridge station.
In 1391, present-day Fulham High Street started to be recognised as Burystrete while in 1440, the All Saints’ church west tower was constructed – and it still stands today.
Fulham Palace became one of the Bishop of London’s country estates in 1480 and that’s when it started to gain prominence as a historical structure. During this time, medieval villages started to develop with a couple of malt houses and brick houses made from the clay soil of the North.
Through the centuries…
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Fulham became the retreat for London’s rich folks where they would indulge in gambling and prostitution. The locals, however, were mostly of the working class. Numerous grand estates were constructed like the Peterborough House, Hurlingham Club and Brandenburg House. Only the Hurlingham Club remains standing today.
By the 19th century, the estates started to fall into disrepair. Some were turned into factories brought about by the industrialisation that steamed into Fulham like the rest of London. Most of these were near the river and soon the stench that came with this change deterred people from wanting to live nearby.
Among the notable factories and companies in Fulham included the Manbre Sugar Refinery, Haig Distillery, Gas Light & Coke Company, Sublight Laundry, Kop’s Brewery, William de Morgan’s Pottery, Macfarlane Lang’s biscuit factory, etc.
As industrialisation was steaming ahead, the working-class folks filled the streets of Fulham. This led to a shortage of housing and the construction of terraced houses characterised by red bricks and the distinct lion on the roof. Towards the end of the 19th century, Messrs Gibs and Flew started a 1,200-housing project on the western side of Fulham’s North End. Although the housing slump left some of the houses unsold, these were soon bought by investors when the North End was renamed as the “West Kensington.”
All the development also brought transport and railway projects to connect Fulham to the rest of London. The District Line extended to the West in 1869 and included Fulham Broadway (originally Walham Green before 1952) as a stop between West Brompton and Parsons Green.
A Look at Fulham Today
Since 1965, Fulham has been part of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. This came from the merging of the Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith and the Metropolitan Borough of Fulham.
The district is right beside the loop of the Thames and is surrounded by Hammersmith (North West), Kensington and Chelsea (East) and Wandsworth and Putney (South across the river).
Thanks to the Fulham Palace, this district has seen royal residents through the Bishops of London who were considered the “Princes of the Church.” You’ll also see distinct red brick houses called the “Lion Houses” – thanks to the terracotta loans on the gables of the buildings.
Fulham has an affluent image in London where you can find various places to eat, shop and mingle with the locals. Some numerous activities and events will delight tourists and make them feel welcome in this district.
The Food: Hundreds of Gastronomic Choices
Food is in abundance in Fulham – with more than 200 within its district. Two of them are even Michelin-starred restaurants – Harwood Arms (a gastropub that’s the only Michelin-starred pub in London) and River Cafe (known for their Italian cuisine). Famous personalities and celebrities visit these restaurants so if you’d like to see A-Listers in London, these are the spots you want to go to.
Other options include The White Horse (since 1712), Duke on the Green (19th-century pub), Claude’s Kitchen (British dishes), Manuka Kitchen (Mediterranean eatery), Jak’s (underground eatery) and El Metro (Spanish cuisine).
The Culture & Arts: The Fulham Palace and Local Galleries
Although the district of Fulham changed a lot through the centuries, you can still see remnants of the days that have gone past. The Fulham Palace is one of the best attractions to visit. Allow a full day to explore the historic house. Among the things you see is the museum that depicts historical facts about the past Bishops of London. The botanical garden is also a great site to visit.
The Zest Gallery is a great place for contemporary art pieces and the Design Centre is another place you can explore.
The Shopping Experience: Vintage Shops and Shopping Centre
Stores line up the New Kings Road and Fulham Road – offering a mix of high-end stores, restaurants and pubs. Fulham Road, in particular, has affordable boutiques lined one after another. Lillie Road is a great spot for vintage shops.
You also have the Fulham Broadway Shopping Centre where you can find all sorts of shops for various retail products and consumer goods.
If it’s food that you want to buy, go to Fine Foods Market or the Bishops Park Farmer’s Market. These have great selections you can choose from.
Must-See Events and Activities: Multiple Parks, Stadiums and Sports Clubs
Sports enthusiasts would love to be in Fulham. This district has 2 football stadiums, namely the Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage. The former is home to Chelsea FC while the latter is where Fulham FC is. You can avail of stadium tours offered by the organisations.
Hurlingham Club is another notable sports club in Fulham. They have quite a list of notable members and that includes some of the Royal Family.
There are also a lot of parks you can explore while you are in Fulham. There’s the Eel Brook Common, Bishops Park, South Park and Parsons Green. These parks have outstanding facilities that you can benefit from.
Where to Stay While in Fulham
If you like what you’ve read, the next concern would be where to stay. There are several short-term rentals you can choose from if you decide to make Fulham your temporary home.
City Relay manages several gorgeous rental properties in Fulham. Here are a few of your options.
This 3-bedroom apartment is on the first floor and can accommodate 6 people. It’s within the Parsons Green area and accessible through the Parsons Green Underground Station. This rental property has a living room, 2 bathrooms, a functional kitchen and a terrace. You can use the amenities within like the smart TV, oven, bathtub, etc.
This 2 bedroom flat in Fulham is quite luxurious. It’s a ground-floor property that opens to an outdoor space that has a table and chairs – allowing you to dine under a starry night if you wish. There are also 2 bathrooms on this property as well as a living room with a smart TV and a kitchen with complete equipment for cooking.
This 2-bedroom apartment looks cosy and feels inviting. It’s ideal for small families or friend groups. It has a living area with a comfortable sofa and TV. The kitchen is equipped for cooking meals and with the market nearby, you’ll enjoy fresh produce. The dining is also a great spot to bond and the bedrooms can accommodate 4 people comfortably. The bathroom comes with a hot bath for unwinding.
If you want to see more properties in Fulham, check out City Relay’s property listing. You can also contact us so we can assist in booking your stay in London. We’ll set you up to have an incredible stay in London.
