|
|
 |
 |
 |
| |
Star and Garter, Putney
The tranquillity of Putney is shattered each year when 'The Boat Race' comes to town. The start of the race is from the embankment outside the rowing clubs, and the Star and Garter has traditionally been a favourite viewing point for well over 100 years.
|
|
Star and Garter, 1893 |
|
|
|
Putney Bridge 1880 |
|
Putney and its bridge
Putney has a history that dates back to Roman times, and can be found in the Domesday Book. Fulham Palace on the northern back has been the home of the Bishops of London since the late 13th century. It is therefore surprising that no attempt was made to span the river until the 1730's, except for a temporary structure during the Civil War.
|
| |
|
|
|
The wooden bridge was capable of taking carts and cattle but was battered by the elements, as can be seen in this photograph from the depth of winter in 1881. With the increasing popularity of Putney as a centre for boat clubs, and the home of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, the crossing deserved something more refined.
|
|
Putney Bridge from Putney 1881 |
|
|
|
Putney Bridge coffer dam 1884 |
|
The construction took place in the mid 1880's to a design by Sir Joseph Bazalgette, and due to the growth of photography, all stages of its construction were recorded.
|
| |
|
|
|
The fine modern structure, built of Cornish granite and costing £240,000 was opened in 1886 by the Prince and Princess of Wales. It provided an easy and safe passage across the river for both pedestrians and the horse drawn buses which showed the integration of Putney and Fulham into the Metropolis of London.
|
|
The new Putney Bridge 1900 |
|
|
|
  previous section next section 
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
Introduction
Putney
