The Putney Debates exhibition
How to find it
How the exhibition was set up
The Putney Debates exhibition
Located on the site where the debates took place, the exhibition in St Mary’s Church in Putney is filled with interesting information about the debates.
Along with images of extracts from William Clarke’s diary, the exhibition includes a video featuring leading historians and politicians talking about the significance of the debates.
There are several images of Putney through the ages and images of the various pamphlets which were circulating during the era of the Putney Debates.
The exhibition is usually open from Monday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm – it is recommended to call ahead to confirm with the church in advance.
How to find it
St Mary’s Church is located next to the River Thames, on the southern side of Putney Bridge.
View The Putney Debates Exhibition in a larger map
St Mary’s Church
Putney High Street
London
SW15 1SN
020 8788 4414
By Rail
Trains run regularly to Putney Rail station from London Waterloo (journey time 15 minutes). From Putney Rail station, turn right and walk down Putney High Street (journey time 5 minutes).
By Tube
Putney Bridge station and East Putney station are both on the District Line (Wimbledon branch). From Putney Bridge station, head south over Putney Bridge (journey time 5 minutes). From East Putney station, go west along Upper Richmond Road, and then turn right and walk down Putney High Street (journey time 15 minutes).
By Bus
Buses serving Putney include 14, 22, 74, 220, 270, 424, 430, 485.
How the exhibition was set up
Following a competition by The Guardian to find an important site of Britain’s radical past, St Mary’s Church in Putney was selected as the winner in 2007.
Using the competition money to develop a larger bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, people from the church and local community in Putney came together and produced an exhibition which would live permanently in the church building.
The exhibition opened in October 2007, the 360th anniversary of the debates, and a series of events were held in the church, including a panel discussion about the importance of the debates and their relevance for twenty-first century society.