Putney has been home to numerous notable individuals across various professions. Here’s a categorised list highlighting some of these distinguished residents:
Politics and Public Service
- Clement Attlee: Born in Putney in 1883, Attlee served as the UK’s Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951 and was the Leader of the Labour Party from 1935 to 1955.
- Thomas Cromwell: Chief minister to Henry VIII and a central figure in the English Reformation, Cromwell was born in Putney around 1485.
- Edvard Beneš: The second President of Czechoslovakia, Beneš resided in Putney during his exile in London from October 1938 to the end of World War II.
Arts and Literature
- Algernon Charles Swinburne: A renowned poet, Swinburne lived at “The Pines” on Putney Hill until his death in 1909.
- E.M. Forster: The acclaimed author of novels such as “A Room with a View” and “Howard’s End,” Forster resided at 22 Werter Road in Putney.
- Edward Gibbon: Historian and author of “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,” Gibbon was born in Putney in 1737.
- Anna Calvi: An English singer-songwriter and guitarist, Calvi has been associated with Putney.
Science and Academia
- Ronald Ross: A Nobel laureate, Ross discovered the transmission of malaria by mosquitoes and lived and died at Bath House on Putney Hill.
- Abdus Salam: A theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize winner, Salam resided on Campion Road in Putney for nearly 40 years.
Music and Entertainment:
- Marc Bolan: The singer and leader of the band T.Rex lived at 6a Schubert Road in Putney and tragically died in a car crash in nearby Barnes.
- Grace Jones: The iconic singer and actress has been linked to Putney.
- Simon Le Bon: Lead singer of Duran Duran, Le Bon has a home on Upper Richmond Road in Putney.
Sports
- Peter Bonetti: The former Chelsea and England goalkeeper was born in Putney.
- Daley Thompson: The former decathlete and two-time Olympic gold medalist has connections to Putney.
- Justin Rose: Professional golfer and U.S. Open champion, Rose has a flat in Putney.
This selection showcases the diverse array of talent and influence that has emerged from or been associated with Putney over the years.