Forum Topic

Pedestrian tunnels

Does anyone know anything about pedestrian tunnels, probably dating to the 19th century? They originate on what was Baltic Wharf (later Douglas Wharf, Putney Wharf). One possibly ran towards the Thames and another, by a roundabout route, crossed under the High Street and linked up to the basement of 4-6 Putney High Street, which, when the tunnel was explored c. 1970, was the basement of the Dowell Lloyd auction rooms (recently taken over by Tequila Mockingbird) but MAY earlier have been the cellar of the Red Lion.

Philip John Evison ● 1703d7 Comments

I used to live in Richmond Mansions by the bridge, and the basement connected into one of the vaults under Lower Richmond Road. They were indeed built to raise the road up towards the bridge level. 
Our one had limited headroom but the one used by 4-6 is a bit taller. 

Sean Hodges ● 1701d

In the only written reference I've found, Freddie, G W C Green in 'The Story of Wandsworth and Putney' (c. 1920) mentions an underground passage and hints at a tunnel to Fulham Palace! Which is of course complete fantasy. Isn't it?! It crossed my mind, Karl, when I started thinking about the tunnel (which I'm 99% sure exists), whether it could possibly be used, if found and opened up, as part of the much-discussed  pedestrian underpass under the High Street, which would also link up the Thames Path. However, I fear that the Thames Water CSO project, and the development of the vaults by Boma Bridge (now TM) and Putney Pies had sadly put paid to the idea.

Philip John Evison ● 1701d

I wish there was still a tunnel from one of the High Street to the other near the Putney end of the Bridge. That's a horrible place to cross and the central island gets very congested. Oh for a tunnel.

Karl Henry ● 1702d

Yes Michael, how stupid of me, Ha Ha, because only so many contribute on the Putney forum, I was thinking that's all who saw it.

Barbara Stevens ● 1703d

Well, Barbara, it's now public on the world wide internet so irrelevant whether we quote it or not 🙂

Michael Ixer ● 1703d

White Lion. Dowell Lloyd, about 9yrs ago was excavated, he was hoping to make a gym down there, did it without permission, he was taking money in advance for gym membership. Drilling holes without permission and a block was put on it. He did a runner with the money. (this might all be a load of rubbish, do don't quote me on it).

Barbara Stevens ● 1703d

There are vaults under the road where it rises to meet the bridge. Never heard I’d any other ‘tunnels’ as such apart from a probably mythical tunnel that went under the river to Fulham Palace.

Freddie Francis ● 1703d