It is located 14 kilometres (9 mi) north-west of the Sydney central business district on the northern bank of the Parramatta River.

The area of Putney and Ryde was originally known Eastern Farms and then as Kissing Point by the British colonists.

One of the earliest settlers within the present day suburb was the brewer James Squire who settled there in 1792.

Parramatta River had been known as the 'Thames of the Antipodes' and other nearby suburbs were also named after Thames localities of Greenwich, Woolwich and Henley.

Men and women alike discussed water conditions, racing times, and technicalities of boats.

[4] In 1943, during World War II, Slazengers (Australia) Pty Ltd established a ship building yard on Pellisier Road, Putney.

During the war, the Putney shipyard built scows and landing craft; however Slazengers also built military huts, houses for munition workers, military canteens, hospitals, small arms, ammunition boxes and gas masks.

Putney's facilities include a primary school, post office, sporting fields, parks, a shopping area and a few restaurants.

Putney is also home to St Chad's Anglican Church, Delange Road, which was founded in 1912 and whose building is of historical significance.