New Book Reveals the Hidden Secrets of Fulham Palace
Covers pre-history through to London's first recorded turkey
Alexis Haslam
July 20, 2026
For decades, visitors have wandered through the tranquil gardens of Fulham Palace, unaware that beneath their feet lies evidence of more than 10,000 years of human history. Now, a landmark new publication by archaeologist and author Alexis Haslam is revealing the extraordinary secrets uncovered beneath one of London’s oldest and most fascinating historic sites.
Published by Fulham Palace Trust and Pre-Construct Archaeology (PCA), This Land of 50 Hides is the first complete history of Fulham Palace and its grounds, bringing together more than fifty years of archaeological discoveries and historical research. The book is the result of a long-standing collaboration between the two organisations, drawing on decades of excavations, specialist analysis and documentary study. PCA’s team of archaeologists, specialists and designers played a key role in researching, interpreting and bringing the story of Fulham Palace to life.
The findings paint a remarkable picture of life in London long before the city existed. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of prehistoric communities living on the site thousands of years before the Romans arrived, including the largest collection of worked flint found in London — more than 1,800 pieces in total. The book also explores evidence of Roman farming, Anglo-Saxon settlement and Viking-era activity, revealing that Fulham’s history stretches far beyond its famous role as the historic home of the Bishops of London.
Among the more unusual discoveries featured are a medieval pike measuring over a metre in length, offering a glimpse into the rich waterways that once surrounded the Palace, and what may be the earliest turkey bones ever found in London — a clue to Tudor diets and the arrival of exotic foods in England. Other finds include Tudor gambling dice, pottery fragments, and domestic artefacts that illuminate everyday life across centuries.
Picture: Fulham Palace
The publication combines archaeological evidence with historical records spanning nearly 1,500 years. Haslam has worked in archaeology for more than two decades and has led investigations across the Palace site since joining Fulham Palace Trust in 2017.
“For many people Fulham Palace is a beautiful historic house and garden,” Haslam said, “but beneath the surface lies an extraordinary archaeological archive. Every excavation has added another piece to the puzzle, and together these discoveries tell a remarkable story about the people who lived, worked and travelled through this part of London over thousands of years.”
Although Fulham Palace is one of London’s most significant historic sites, much of the archaeological work undertaken there since the first excavation in 1972 has remained largely unknown outside specialist circles. This publication changes that, bringing together half a century of discoveries into a single accessible account for anyone interested in London’s hidden past.
Sian Harrington, chief executive of Fulham Palace Trust, said: “Fulham Palace has witnessed more than a thousand years of London’s history, but many of its most fascinating stories have remained buried, quite literally, beneath the ground. This book allows us to share those stories with a wider audience and reveal just how important Fulham Palace is to understanding London’s past.”
To celebrate the publication, Fulham Palace will host a special public launch event on Thursday 6 August featuring Alexis Haslam. Visitors will hear about the discoveries that have transformed understanding of the site and have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A. The book will then be available to purchase from the Fulham Palace museum shop, with all proceeds supporting the work of Fulham Palace Trust, the independent charity responsible for preserving and sharing the Palace, museum, gardens and collections.
A standard lecture ticket (£5) includes entry to the talk and the opportunity to purchase the book at a 20% discount. A combined lecture and signed book ticket (£20) offers a copy of This land of 50 hides at half the retail price, collected on the day.
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