A circa-1392 medieval moat is being restored at Fulham Palace.

The Chronicle went along this week to watch archaeologists to dig up a 95-yard stretch of the mile-long moat, which circles the palace and is the longest in England.

Builders' debris has filled the moat, which is entirely preserved below ground as an unbroken circuit, since the 1920s, following a request of the Bishop of London, who lived in the palace.

Glass and stoneware bottles, china, teapots, porcelain dolls and even a perfectly preserved 'Lipton Tea' enamel sign helped keep the moat from public view for nearly 100 years.

The archaeologists have already exposed a bridge and a sluice gate, which once controlled the flow of water between the moat and the Thames and is thought to date back to 1618.

The gate was rebuilt following a flood in 1842 and could have been further remodelled in 1895 when the river embankment was constructed and Bishops Park laid out.

The moat's forst known reference dates back to 1392, although some historians claim it is older still, perhaps dating back to the Iron Age.

Archaeologist Phil Emery is leading the project on behalf of Hammersmith and Fulham Council council, together with field archaeologists from PCA .

He said: "The importance of preserving the moat for future generations cannot be overstated. The present excavation and opening up of this key section at the main entrance is only the beginning; in the longer term, we would like to extend the restoration scheme to include other prominent parts of the moat circuit."

Over the next few months, the council will be restoring the moat bridge, Gothic Lodge, the vinery and potting sheds. The stables will also be converted into a new education facility, with new toilets and a shop.

Greg Smith, cabinet member for residents’ services, said: "This historic moat is one of the most significant heritage assets in the borough and it is enthralling to see this work occur. It is absolutely fascinating to think that this moat used to encircle the Palace.

"It has been the topic of much discussion over the years so it is wonderful to be able to see certain parts of it at first hand.”

The project forms part of an £8m programme that will also see the creation of a beach in the park.

Work is likely to be completed by the summer.