Bishop Henry Compton (1675-1713) was a keen botanist and probably the most important Bishop in the cultivation of Fulham Palace’s garden.

In 2017 Fulham Palace Trust embarked on a research project to identify some of the plants that had been cultivated by Compton. By checking the herbarium volumes at the Natural History Museum, Dr Mark Spencer was able to find evidence of 200 species that were grown at Fulham Palace during Compton’s tenure. Later, an additional 85 species were identified at the Oxford University herbaria. There were challenges in sourcing certain species, but Lucy Hart, the Palace’s head gardener, was able to source 89 species from the combined list for the new Compton border. Specimens include species that were grown in England for the first time at Fulham Palace, including the notable Magnolia virginiana.

The newly re-planted collection in the Compton border can be viewed to the south and south west of the walled garden. Some of Compton’s original plant specimens, currently on loan from Oxford University in the Palace’s museum until June 2025, can also be viewed.

Lucy Hart said, “The Bishop Compton collection tells the important story of botanical introductions to the UK and is an integral part of the Palace’s long history. We are incredibly grateful to the team at Plant Heritage for their support. I’d also like to thank the specialist growers and nurseries for helping supply the plants, alongside Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Chelsea Physic Garden who donated specimens to bolster the collection. Finally, we are ever grateful to the Lear Associates, Dr Mark Spencer, the Natural History Museum and the Department of Biology, Oxford University for their enthusiasm, guidance and support in helping to bring this story to life”.