Things you didn't know about... Putney

Princess Di's Putney
Putney Common used to belong to the late Princess of Wales's family, the Spencers. In the late 1800s the then Earl Spencer wanted to build a large manor house on the common but Putney residents objected. The Spencer family have since moved on from Putney, the only remaining hint of their presence being the Spencer Arms pub on the Lower Richmond Road.

The end of 20th Century Boy
On the edge of Putney Common is a sycamore tree that was the site of a 1977 car crash in which T-Rex frontman Marc Bolan was killed. Fans have since turned the area into a shrine.

Brain and brawn
Putney bridge is the starting point for the world-famous annual boat race between Oxford and Cambridge universities. Some 250,000 spectators line the banks of the river each year, with another 140 million tuning in via television.

Why Putney pubs rock
The Half Moon pub in Putney has become a popular haunt for those seeking out a live music venue with an impressive heritage. The Putney pub was the location of U2's first ever sell-out gig outside Ireland, KD Lang's first UK appearance and Kate Bush's first ever public performance.

Rest in peace in Putney
Putney Vale Cemetery is the final resting place of Noddy and Famous Five creator Enid Blyton. Actor John Pertwee, who played the third Dr Who and later Worzel Gummidge, is also here.

All in the name
Putney Bridge underground station isn't actually in Putney. In fact it lies north of the River Thames in Fulham, not far from Fulham Football Club's home ground, Craven Cottage.

Playing away
Fulham FC played its home games on Lower Putney Common during the 1885/86 football season.

Bridge of faith
Putney Bridge is the only bridge in Britain to have a church at both ends, with St Mary's Church to the south in Putney, and All Saints Church to the north in Fulham.

The Putney Debates
Did you know that Putney was the site of historic discussions that influenced the future of England? In 1647 St Mary's Church in Putney played host to Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army and local civilians as they argued for greater democracy and the creation of a new constitution for England. The Putney Debates are seen as an important step in the development of democracy: some parts of the discussions appear word for word in the American Constitution.