Putney Velodrome & Putney Estate 3 June, 7.30pm Community Church
The Victorians left many marks on London – the Houses of Parliament,Tower Bridge, the Albert Hall and not least Joseph Bazalgette’s sewers, but one Victorian building craze has barely survived. From the East London Memorial Park via Catford, Herne Hill, Westminster and Putney to East Sheen the last decade or so of the 19th century saw velodromes built across the city. They hosted races lasting upto six days and, by 1983, the International Cycling Union had even sanctioned ladies races, although these were often regarded as novelty acts.Now all the velodromes have disappeared, with the notable exception of Herne Hill. As part of the Putney Society contribution to the Wandsworth Heritage Festival, Pat Heery will talk about the history of the Putney Velodrome which was built in the 1890s in an area between Landford, Hotham and Erpingham Roads. Although attracting large crowds it sadly could not compete with the profits to be made from developing houses on the site and by 1906 the track had disappeared. A fate shared by many other velodromes across the city.Come along and find out more on Monday 3 June, 7.30pm at theCommunity Church, Werter Rd, SW15 2LLFree to Putney Society members. £3 to non-members (although you can join up on the door for as little as £1 a month and then entry is free!)
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