Putney Bridge

Putney Bridge is a bridge crossing of the River Thames in west London, linking Putney on the south side with Fulham to the north.

Construction of a bridge was first sanctioned by an Act of Parliament in 1726. Built by local master carpenter Thomas Phillips to a design by architect Sir Jacob Ackworth, the first bridge was opened in November 1729, to become the only bridge between London Bridge and Kingston Bridge at the time. A toll bridge, it featured tollbooths at either end of the timber-built structure.

Putney Bridge is unique in that it is the only bridge in London (or England for that matter) to have a church at both ends: St. Mary’s Church, Putney is located in Putney on the south bank; All Saints Church, Fulham is on the north bank and featured in the film The Omen. Also on the north side of the bridge is Putney Bridge tube station.

Since 1845, the bridge has been the starting point of the annual Oxford – Cambridge University Boat Race. Putney Bridge is often very busy on Saturdays, when Fulham F.C. are playing at home, as this is the main way for fans to cross the river.