Putney High Street, London SW15 1SN, at the southern end of Putney Bridge.
St Mary's Church, Putney
Church
Place photograph
4.1
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.1St Mary's is more than a landmark beside Putney Bridge: its surviving medieval features stand in a church associated with the 1647 Putney Debates, where questions about England's post-war constitution were discussed.
The setting is urban rather than wild, but this is a rewarding heritage stop with a tangible link to a pivotal moment in English political history. Its riverside position also makes it a natural starting point for a longer Thames-side walk.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapPutney High Street, London SW15 1SN, at the southern end of Putney Bridge.
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit the church for its historic setting and surviving medieval details, then continue to the Thames for a riverside walk. Check access times before setting out.
Things to do
See the church's medieval features
Explore the church interior, where the 15th-century tower, parts of the nave and the early 16th-century Bishop West Chapel are identified as surviving historic fabric. Check visitor access before going.
Allow under 1 hour
Follow the Thames-side route towards Battersea
St Mary's is identified as the start of a riverside walk that mainly follows the Thames Path to Battersea Park. The described route is about 6 km and takes around 90 minutes; check the full route and current conditions before setting out.
About 90 minutes for the described walk
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A short church and history visit
- 01
Check current visitor access before setting off.
- 02
Visit the church and look for its surviving medieval features.
- 03
Take in its setting at the southern end of Putney Bridge.
Half day · Around 2 hours or more
Church to Thames-side walk
- 01
Begin at St Mary's Church, checking opening arrangements first.
- 02
Walk towards the Thames and follow the riverside path from Putney Bridge in the direction of Wandsworth Park.
- 03
The VoiceMap route continues to Battersea Park, covers about 6 km and is described as taking around 90 minutes; check the route details before setting out.
Verified history
The VoiceMap tour describes a centre of Christian worship on this site from at least the 1200s. It identifies the 15th-century tower, parts of the nave and the early 16th-century Bishop West Chapel as surviving medieval features, while noting that much of the church was reconstructed in 1836 to designs by Edward Lapidge. In 1647, after the English Civil War, the church hosted the Putney Debates, which considered England's constitution.
Hidden details
The church as a debate venue — The 1647 Putney Debates took place in the church after the English Civil War. This connection is easy to overlook when arriving at the building as a riverside landmark.
Look for surviving medieval fabric — The church retains a 15th-century tower, parts of the nave and the early 16th-century Bishop West Chapel, despite extensive reconstruction in 1836.
When to go
· Visit during confirmed opening hours; check the church's current visitor information before travelling.
The sourced visitor information does not identify a preferred season.
Check the forecast if continuing on the riverside walk; no route-specific weather guidance is supplied.
Worth pairing with
Thames-side walk towards Battersea Park
A substantial riverside extension from the church: the VoiceMap route follows the south bank to Battersea Park, covers about 6 km and is described as taking around 90 minutes.
Wandsworth Park
The Putney riverside guide describes following the Thames Path towards Wandsworth Park, passing moorings and rowing clubs along the way.
What to look for
Look for the 15th-century tower, surviving medieval parts of the nave and the early 16th-century Bishop West Chapel. The church's association with the 1647 Putney Debates is a key part of its story.
The story
The Putney Debates, medieval worship, the Thames crossing and Putney's history.
Best time to go
Any time of year; check visitor access and service arrangements before visiting.
Visit during confirmed church opening hours. The church's published visitor information describes access through the café; check current arrangements before travelling.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Solo
Before you go
Address
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The church is open to visitors during the published café hours, with additional access around services. Entry is via the café during those times; check the church website before travelling for current arrangements.
Check before visiting
Parking
The church is in a controlled parking zone; public transport is recommended. Check local parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilet listed among the church's amenities; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A café is associated with the church; check current opening and food service before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source listing reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance, car park and toilet. Confirm current access arrangements with the church.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Thames nearby; no water activity is verified for this listing.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St Mary's Church, Putney
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
