Fulham is the area of south-west London that lies on the north banks of the River Thames, just to the west of Chelsea. The area is believed to be named after the Saxon chief Fulla, who once lived in the area.

For much of its history the area was a rural one, with the main industry being market gardening. In fact the district used to be nicknamed ‘the fruit and kitchen garden north of the Thames’.

Until the 19th century the area had several separate villages and settlements in it, all of which revolved around the powerful Fulham Palace, the country residence of the Bishops of London.

The area was also home to several of London’s wealthy families who built country residences in Fulham and so the district first began to gain a reputation as a sought after and exclusive residential district.

Fulham’s villages retained distinct characters right up until the late 19th century. But once the expansion of London reached the area, Fulham was quickly transformed. The villages merged together and the market gardens were replaced with rows of residential housing.

But Fulham retained a very genteel and elegant feel to it, and to this day the district has remained the home of London’s wealthier residents. For tourists the main attraction in the area is Fulham Palace.