Car: not necessary
Putney can be dated as far back as the 11th Century when first noted as a place for ferry crossings in the Doomsday Book. Putney continued to be small village on the banks of the Thames up until the 17th Century by which time it became an exceptionally fashionable area for the elite and wealthy of London to live. Putney had a number of very famous residents and most notably was a certain William Pitt (in 1798 the then Prime Minister) who lived in Bowling-Green House on the Putney heath. Putney Heath itself has a fascinating history being well known hiding and meeting place for notorious highway man as well as the dueling ground for the elite which often ended in the death of some very powerful men.
A number of fine homes lined Putney Hill and the north face of the heath, west of the Green Man. All of which are very grand and had semi-circular carriageway entrances and exits. These included Grantham House, the residence of Lady Grantham; Ripon House, Ashburton House and Exeter House, occupied by the second Marquis of Exeter. Dover House, was the seat originally of Lord Dover, afterwards of Lord Clifden. It was owned at the turn of the 20th century by the famous US financier JP Morgan.
During the 19th Century Putney became synonymous with the famous University Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge universities and has hosted the annual event since. Boating and rowing is very popular in the area and Putney Embankment can claim up to 20 thriving rowing clubs whom over the years have produced a plethora of Olympic champions.
By the turn of the 20th century and with the development and expansion of the the London transport network Putney became well known for its 'outsiders' who worked in the growing financial sector of London but whom lived outside in the leafy suburban surroundings.
In more modern times Putney has retained its charming leafy characteristics and is still a very popular place to live and to holiday in with many still drawn by its suburban charm, lovely restaurants, old worldly pubs and also being exceptionally easy to get to almost all parts of London but pacifically its proximity to Fulham, Chelsea and of course Wimbledon.
What to do
-Fulham
-Chelsea
-Kensington
-Knightsbridge
-Putney Heath
-Wimbledon
-The nearby Wandsworth and Hurlingham Parks
-Local pubs The Boathouse and The Coat & Badge
-Tooting, Clapham and Balham
-Victoria & Albert Museum
-Natural Science Museum
