The Account of Putney – from the Tapes
Saturday, January 30th, 2010Putney is a small part within the Manor of Wimbledon. It lies between the parishes of Wandsworth and Barnes and is bordered on the North by the Thames. It is part of the hundred of Brixton, which is part of the county of Surrey. Early mentions of Putney can be found in the Doomsday Book, where it is referred to as Putenlie.
Earl Harold had this fishery in Mortelage (Mortlake) in the time of King Edward, and Archbishop Stigland oversaw its functioning while in the reign; and yet they say that Harold used force to get it up during King Edwards reign in the land of Chingestune (Kingston), and in the land of Saint Paul’s.
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The Fishery
Owing to the Thames running along its border Putney has always seen a good relation with trades that are linked with this river had a strong relation with trades associated with the river. According to an age old tradition of the Manor of Wimbledon, In 1663 the fishery was conducted for the three best salmon caught in March, April, and May; but this rent was later changed into a money payment.
As Per Guthrie fishery, here, went on until late 1780s, after which it is said to have lost its place. Lyson tells us that although no “fishery” stayed in Putney after 1786, the area continued to witness fishing well into the beginning of the 19th century. Now fishing in this region is restricted to the adventurous amateurs.
The Putney Ferry
The Putney Ferry has a history going back to the 11th century and possibly before. In the household accounts of Edward I (1272-1307) the ferry finds a mention in a couple of instances.
The first is wherein Robert the Ferryman of Putney and other sailors received 3/6d in order to carry a great part of the royal family across the river while also carrying the king and his relatives to Westminster.
Two ferry services ran from Putney, the “long ferry” from Putney to London or Westminster and the “short ferry” which ran to Fulham. The first one was particularly used by foot passengers to avoid the poor roads. Horses could, of course, be gotten hold of at the various inns in Putney which were close to the ferry.
Information provided by car rentals entry written by Ivan Belyayev