PCA was commissioned to undertake archaeological works within the Walled Garden at Fulham Palace. Various projects were undertaken between 2012 and 2016 including built heritage recording, a watching brief and a volunteer-based excavation.

Scheduled Monument Consent had been granted to introduce a formal orchard and further planting including the reintroduction of trained fruit trees. The orchard project formed part of a public archaeology project where dedicated volunteers excavated tree pits under the guidance and direction of PCA’s professional archaeologists. Built heritage recording was conducted on two gateways; one located between the boundary grounds of Fulham Palace and the churchyard of All Saints Church.

The results of the excavation revealed features including planting holes, beds and rubbish pits. Sixes phases of activity were established running from the 18th to 20th century. Three bricked up bee boles (recesses in the garden wall) were also present, which would have housed skeps (coiled-straw hives). Two of these were recorded in this state before a conservator restored and removed the later bricks.

All projects were completed to the highest quality with clear lines of communication between PCA and the client. The work was completed on time and to budget. PCA provided further archaeological support to a volunteer project in 2017, which sought evidence for an early post-medieval dovecote.