Putney

Putney
source
Name	Putney
Coordinates	51.461, -0.216
Population	16,807
Population ref	(2011 Census, Putney ward)
Os grid reference	TQ245755
London borough	Wandsworth
Region	London
Country	England
Post town	LONDON
Postcode area	SW
Postcode district	SW15
Dial code	020
Constituency westminster	Putney
Constituency westminster1	Tooting

Putney. A district in southwest London, within the London Borough of Wandsworth, situated on the south bank of the River Thames. It is historically significant as the starting point of the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge and was the site of the pivotal 1647 Putney Debates during the English Civil War. Today, it is a vibrant residential area known for its expansive Putney Heath, excellent transport links, and bustling high street.

History

The area's name is of Saxon origin, and it is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as *Putelei*. For centuries, it was a small Surrey village known for its ferry crossing, which was replaced by Putney Bridge in 1729. Its most profound historical moment came in 1647 when members of the New Model Army, including Oliver Cromwell and Henry Ireton, convened in St Mary's Church, Putney for the Putney Debates, discussing radical proposals like universal male suffrage. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a fashionable riverside retreat, attracting figures like Edward Gibbon and later, the literary set associated with The Hogarth Press. The district was incorporated into the County of London in 1889 and later became part of Wandsworth.

Geography

Putney is located on a meander of the River Thames, directly opposite Fulham to the north. Its western boundary is marked by the River Wandle, and it encompasses a significant area of open land, including the vast Putney Heath and the adjacent Wimbledon Common. The district's topography rises from the Thames floodplain to the higher ground of the heath. Key waterways include Beverley Brook, which runs through the area. The residential streets are a mix of Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian terraces, with larger properties found near the heath and the Lower Richmond Road.

Demographics

According to the 2011 Census, the Putney ward had a population of 16,807. The area is characterized by high levels of educational attainment and economic activity, with a significant proportion of residents working in professional, managerial, and technical occupations. The population is ethnically diverse, though with a higher proportion of White British residents compared to some neighbouring parts of Wandsworth. Putney has a notably transient population, including a large number of young professionals and international workers, attracted by its transport connections and amenities.

Landmarks and notable buildings

The most prominent landmark is the current Putney Bridge, a stone structure built in 1886, from which the Boat Race begins. The medieval St Mary's Church, Putney, rebuilt in the 15th century, remains a focal point. Putney's open spaces are dominated by Putney Heath, merging with Wimbledon Common and home to the King's Mere pond. Notable buildings include the Putney Exchange shopping centre, the Putney Sculpture Trail, and the War Memorial on the heath. Significant residential architecture can be seen on Putney Hill and around West Putney station.

Transport

Putney is a major transport hub for southwest London. It is served by Putney railway station and Putney Bridge tube station on the District line, as well as East Putney tube station and West Putney railway station. Numerous London Buses routes, including the 14, 22, and 74, connect it to central London and surrounding districts. The district is a key node for road traffic, with the A219 road running through its centre and the A3 passing to the west. Putney Pier provides seasonal river bus services operated by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Culture and community

The area has a strong sporting tradition, centred on the Thames Rowing Club, London Rowing Club, and several other clubs based along the Putney Embankment. It hosts the annual Varsity Boat Race and the Head of the River Race. The Putney Arts Theatre is a notable local venue, and the area has literary connections to Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex, and more recently, Ruth Rendell. Community life focuses on the high street, the monthly farmers' market, and events on Putney Heath. It is part of the Putney constituency, which has been represented by figures such as David Steel and currently Fleur Anderson. Category:Districts of London Category:Areas of London