The Star & Garter | Putney

History

The Building

With it's Northern Renaissance and Queen Anne influence 'The Star & Garter' was first noted on the Map of Putney in 1787 and has undergone many transformations over the years.

Originally built as a hotel for the use of the boating and sailing community, which governed the area. In approximately 1870 The Star & Garter even had a boathouse on the ground floor.

In local history the Star & Garter is mentioned many times. On the 16th February 1889 it is said that eight men met at The Star & Garter and resolved to form the Ranelagh Sailing club as a spur from the Ranelagh Yachting club, which was favoured by King Charles II.

The Boat Race at Putney

The Star & Garter has a perfect location on the Surrey bank on the River Thames at Putney. The building is situated just past the University stone, which marks the start of the Annual Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race.

In 1829 the first Boat race took place between Oxford & Cambridge University in Henley. Then in 1836 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 42 the race then took place annually from Westminster to Putney.

In 1845 finally came to be held over what we know to be the modern course from Putney to Mortlake.

Normally the start is outside the Star & Garter with the flood tide. Only in 1846, 1856 and 1863 was it rowed downstream on an ebb tide.

The Star & Garter Ballroom on the first floor offers a grandstand setting overlooking the pre race mêlée and the starting line.

The Name

The name 'Star & Garter’ relates to the Order of the Garter

The Star, which is worn pinned to the left breast, was introduced in the 17th century by King Charles 1 and is a colourfully enamelled depiction of the heraldic shield of St George's Cross, encircled by the Garter, which is itself encircled by an eight-point silver badge. Each point is depicted as a cluster of rays, with the four points of the cardinal directions longer than the intermediate ones.

Since the Order of the Garter is the senior order of the United Kingdom, a member will wear its star above the others (up to three) that he or she holds.

The Garter is worn on ceremonial occasions around the left calf by knights and around the left arm by ladies, and is depicted on several insignia. The Garter is a buckled dark-blue (originally light-blue) velvet strap, and bears the motto in gold letters. The garters of Stranger Knights and Ladies were once set with several jewels.

The Area

Putney appears in Domesday Book of 1086 as Putelei. It was noted that it was not a manor, but obtained 20s from the ferry or market toll at Putney belonging to Mortlake.

The ferry was mentioned in the household accounts of Edward I (1272-1307) where Robert the Ferryman of Putney and other sailors were paid 3/6d for carrying a great part of the royal family across the Thames and also taking the king and his family to Westminster.

One famous crossing at Putney was that of Cardinal Wolsey in 1529 upon his 'disgrace' in falling out of favour with Henry VIII and on ceasing to be the holder of the Great Seal of England.

The first bridge of any kind was built during the Civil War after the Battle of Brentford in 1642; the Parliamentary forces built a bridge of boats between Fulham and Putney.

The first permanent bridge between Fulham and Putney was completed in 1729, and was the second bridge to be built across the Thames in London (after London Bridge).