The Story Behind Putney Bridge's Lamp Crests
A great deal of history is revealed by these decorative flourishes
Left: A detail of the crests. Right: The crests at the base of a lamp post
August 11, 2025
If you’ve ever crossed Putney Bridge and glanced up at the elegant lamp posts, you’ve likely noticed the intricate crests adorning them. These aren’t just decorative flourishes—they’re steeped in history, commemorating the bridge’s completion in 1886, during the reign of Queen Victoria.
Installed to mark the opening of the new stone bridge (which replaced the old wooden one), the lamps reflect the civic pride of the Victorian era. Their design was overseen by the Metropolitan Board of Works, the body responsible for much of London’s infrastructure at the time.
What Do the Crests Represent?
At the centre of each lamp is the royal coat of arms of Queen Victoria, surrounded by six other crests that represent key areas under the Board’s jurisdiction. From the photo shown above, from top clockwise the crests represent:
- Borough of Guildford – the country town of Surrey, where Putney is located.
- City of Westminster – the heart of government and a central borough.
- Colchester – representing Essex, east of London.
- County of Kent – reflecting the southeastern counties.
- City of London – the historic core of the capital.
- County of Middlesex – shown in its original form, without a crown.
Together, these crests form a visual map of Victorian London’s administrative reach, proudly displayed on one of the borough’s most iconic crossings.
The lamps have recently been removed for restoration due to corrosion, but Wandsworth Council has confirmed they’ll be reinstated in their original form. This means the crests—and the stories they tell—will continue to be part of our daily walk across the Thames.
So next time you’re on Putney Bridge, take a moment to look up. Those lamps aren’t just lighting your way—they’re shining a light on our shared history.
Written with contributions from Hugh Thompson
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