It was a riverside borough, and comprised the many centuries-long definition of Fulham so included parts often considered of independent character today Walham Green, Parsons Green, Hurlingham, Sands End and that part of Chelsea Harbour west of Counter's Creek.

Accordingly, an official grant was obtained from the College of Arms on 12 October of that year, blazoned as follows: The silver and blue wavy field was for the River Thames, the swords and mitre signifying the Bishop of London.

The main sail was charged with a Tudor rose, recalling the importance of the area in that era, when Fulham Palace was rebuilt.

In 1883-84 the population had increased enough for the parish to be divided into three wards (electing vestrymen): North End (27), Walham (27) and South Fulham (18).

[6][7] In 1894 as its population had increased the newly incorporated vestry was re-divided into eight wards (electing vestrymen): Baron's Court (12), Margravine (9), Munster (9), Lillie (12), Walham (12), Town (6), Hurlingham (3) and Sands End (9).

[8] The metropolitan borough was divided into eight wards for elections: Baron's Court, Hurlingham, Lillie, Margravine, Munster, Sands End, Town, and Walham.