Putney is a village and a parish forming part of the Manor of Wimbledon. It lies between the parishes of Wandsworth and Barnes and is bounded on the North by the Thames. It is within the hundred of Brixton, which is part of the county of Surrey. Early mentions of Putney can be found in the Last Judgement Book, wherein one can find the mention of Putenlie.

This Mortlake (Mortelage) fishery was under Earl Harold during King Edwards period, and Archbishop Stigland looked after the same; and yet they say that Harold set it up by force in the time of King Edward in the land of Chingestune (Kingston), and in the land of Saint Paul’s.

Check Putney Builders

The Fishery
Owing to the Thames running along its border Putney has always seen a good association with trades that are linked with this river had a strong relation with trades associated with the river.As per an ancient custom of the Manor of Wimbledon, In 1663 the fishery was held for the three best salmon caught in March, April, and May; but this rent was afterwards changed into a money payment.

As Per Guthrie fishery, here, went on until late 1780s, when, and then it is said to have lost its place. Lyson tells us that although no “fishery” stayed in Putney after 1786, fishing continued to be carried on until the early part of the nineteenth century. Today fishing in Putney is restricted to the recreational amateurs.

The Putney Ferryboat
The Putney Ferry dates back to the 11th century and possibly before. In the household accounts of Edward I (1272-1307) the ferry was twice mentioned.

The first is wherein Robert the Ferryman of Putney and other sailors were paid 3/6d in order to carry much of the royal family across the river and also carrying the king and his family to Westminster.

There were two types of ferry that could be obtained from Putney, the “long ferry” ran to Westminster and London and the “short ferry” which ran to Fulham. The first one was essentially used by foot passengers to steer clear of the bad roads. Horses could, no doubt, be obtained through the number of inns in Putney which were close to the ferry.
Facts sourced by Car hire Australia entry by Bob Tisdall