Review: Fulham Palace releases new picture book The Palace Cat

My very first memory of a day out in Fulham is from Fulham Palace on a gorgeous summer day. We were meeting friends on the grounds surrounding the former home of bishops of London, and enjoyed a picnic in the balmy sunshine.

Since then, I’ve been back to Fulham Palace with my young family, mainly to soak in the atmosphere on special days.

But next time we go, we’ll be adding a historic twist to our visit. With a new picture book and family activity trails, Fulham Palace is now making it easier for families to embark on an engaging journey through history when visiting the local attraction.

The sweet book The Palace Cat (Fulham Palace House & Garden, £6.99), designed by Suzan Aral, written by Imogen White and illustrated by Jo Williamson, tells the story about two children called Matilda and Tom, who are visiting Fulham Palace and decide to follow real feline friend Edmund, a black cat that can be spotted around the grounds.

Taken on a magical journey through the ages, Matilda and Tom catch Queen Elizabeth I hosting a banquet at the Palace; meet Bishop Compton organising his exotic plant collection; witness a Victorian garden party with a wild emu; and hear an air-raid siren warning Londoners during the Second World War.

Blending fascinating facts with a charming story and detailed illustrations, The Palace Cat makes for an insightful introduction to Fulham Palace that could create an interesting starting point for an illuminating family visit to the venue.

In addition, Fulham Palace encourages families to be history detectives, following themed family trails featuring Palace cat Edmund and including historic clues to spot around the Palace. The trails also tie in with the story in the book, and readers of The Palace Cat will recognise mentions of Bishop Tait’s emu and Bishop Compton’s plant collecting interest in the trail activities.

The Palace Cat can be purchased from the museum shop when it reopens, or via the Palace’s online shop. Fulham Palace Trust had reopened in September with a new one-way system and free time slots for visitors to pre-book online, but The Palace museum and historic rooms have had to close again due to government advice. The garden remains open daily from dawn until dusk and the walled garden, where Edmund likes spending time, is open from 10.15-15.45.

Photo of Fulham Palace by Matthew Bruce.

Tags: Family attractions, Fulham, Fulham Palace