Formation of the Fulham Society

The Society was initiated in 1971 after a small group of residents campaigned successfully to prevent the construction of a very large hotel which would have dominated the river frontage near All Saints Church and Putney Bridge.

This threat highlighted the need for an amenity society with a wide local brief. The Fulham Society was formed with a remit covering the area of the former Metropolitan Borough of Fulham - an area from the Thames in the south and west to Hammersmith Road in the north and the border of Kensington and Chelsea in the east.

Fulham Society's Aim

The aim of the Society is to keep Fulham as an agreeable place in which to live and work for all present and future residents and to improve its amenities. The Society is non-political, a registered charity and affiliated to the Civic Trust.

Fulham's Heritage

Fulham lies within a great loop of the Thames. Until about 1860 its alluvial soil was cultivated largely as market gardens. Thereafter,  until about 1910, as the District railway was extended the pleasing brick terraced houses, in which many live today, were constructed on this land.

Civic pride and public generosity also provided impressive public buildings and churches. Some of these developments are of special interest:

- The artists' studios at Barons Court

-The large Whiteley warehouses in Avonmore Road

-The Gunter estate in West Kensington  

-The Peterborough Estate with its 'lion' houses

Fulham's Open Spaces

The long river frontage, Bishops Park, South Park, Hurlingham Park, Normand Park, Parsons Green and Eel Brook Common,  as well as many other smaller open spaces, contain  splendid trees and plants  and provide opportunities for leisure and recreation.

Fulham Society and the Past

Fulham has become a very desirable place in which to live. There is constant pressure to tear down the old and rebuild. Care must be taken to prevent over-development  in density, in scale of building and the encroachment on public land.

To retain Fulham's past, the Society campaigns to preserve historic buildings such as Fulham Palace, Sandford Manor and Fulham House, and to maintain the integrity of the many conservation areas.

Fulham Society and the Present

To maintain Fulham's present, the Society supports schemes to take through-traffic out of residential streets, reduce traffic congestion and improve public transport. The Society makes representations about unsightly street-furniture and advertising hoardings.

The Society supports the local Police especially in crime prevention and the safety of crowds at football matches.

Fulham Society and the Future

To promote Fulham's future, the Society monitors all large-scale development proposals and, where necessary, campaigns for alteration. The Council Planning Department consults with the Society on matters relating to buildings, open spaces and the river frontage.