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Image Licensing : Putney toll booth OFH01_01_01_f01_20
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Putney toll booth OFH01_01_01_f01_20
Old Putney Bridge, Putney, Wandsworth, Greater London. Two images on a single glass plate negative, both showing the the toll keeper and toll booth on the Putney side of the old Putney Bridge crossing the River Thames.
The bridge, also known as Fulham Bridge, dated from 1729. It was badly damaged by a river barge in 1870. Repairs were undertaken but its days were numbered and in 1880 work began on a replacement. In the same year the tolls paid to cross the Thames were discontinued. This view is a record of the last toll to be taken by the Putney toll keeper. Shortly after completion of the new crossing in 1886 the bridge and the toll booth were demolished. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive
Media ID 28636164
Filename: ofh01_01_01_f01_20.jpg
Size: 6686 x 5102 (5.6MB)
Date: 12th January 2023
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
Job Title: Photographer
1880s Bridge Georgian People People Posed Road Transport Victorian Work Change Historic Event Payment Progress Redundant Toll House Transaction
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > William Field (1854 - 1932)
> Historic Images > The Victorian Age > The 1880s
> Transport > Bridges > Thames bridges
> The way we were > Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in history, showcasing the Putney toll booth and its keeper on the old Putney Bridge in Greater London. The bridge, also known as Fulham Bridge, stood since 1729 but suffered severe damage from a river barge in 1870. Although repairs were made, it was clear that the bridge's days were numbered, and construction of a replacement began in 1880. The image portrays two scenes on a single glass plate negative: one displaying the toll keeper himself and another revealing the toll booth against the backdrop of the majestic River Thames. This view serves as an invaluable record of the final toll collected by this dedicated individual before crossing fees were discontinued upon completion of the new bridge in 1886. Intriguingly capturing both Georgian and Victorian eras, this photograph symbolizes change and progress within road transport during that time period. It reflects how historic events can render certain structures redundant while paving the way for modernization. William O Field's masterful composition not only immortalizes this iconic scene but also invites viewers to contemplate themes such as payment transactions, people posed amidst their work environment, and society's ever-evolving landscape. As we gaze upon this remarkable piece of history frozen in time, we are reminded of our collective journey towards progress while cherishing remnants from our past.
