A bridge was first constructed here in 1729; prior to this there was a ferry crossing at this site.

The story goes that Sir Robert Walpole was kept waiting for the boat from Putney to Fulham while the ferryman was off drinking in a nearby pub. Walpole had to come up with a different route in order to get to his meeting at the House of Commons which led him to vow that he would make sure that a bridge was built at this site.

Apparently the Prince of Wales himself was also frequently inconvenienced by the ferry crossing when making his way back from Richmond Park.

No doubt both of these incidents had some influence on the decision made by lawmakers to build a bridge here.

The original timber bridge opened in November 1729; at that time it was a toll bridge with booths at either end and it was designed by architect Sir Jacob Acworth. It was the only bridge between Kingston Bridge and London Bridge, so it got a great deal of use over the years.

The bridge was struck by a barge in 1870 and severely damaged. Repairs were made, but eventually it was decided that a new and sturdier bridge should be built here.

Sir Joseph Bazalgette designed the stone structure we see today, it was built from stone and Cornish granite at a cost of £240,433 and was opened in 1886.

The bridge is 43 feet wide and 700 feet long, with 5 spans and quite thankfully, no more tolls. It is unique in that there is a church at either end, St Mary’s Church in Putney and All Saints Church in Fulham.

It is a popular crossing point, and can get quite crowded on weekends in particular.

This grade II listed bridge is a historic and interesting structure in West London.

Address: Between Fulham and Putney, SW6 3JD

Photo courtesy: stringer_bel

Return from Putney Bridge to Famous London Sights

Return from Putney Bridge to Best London Attractions