“Stamford Bridge” is considered to be a derivative of “Samfordesbrigge” meaning “the bridge at the sandy ford”.^[7] Eighteenth century maps show a “Stanford Creek” running along the route of what is now a railway line at the back of the East Stand as a tributary of the Thames. The upper reaches of this tributary have been known as Billingswell Ditch, Pools Creek and Counters Creek. In medieval times the creek was known as Billingwell Dyche, derived from “Billing’s spring or stream”. It formed the boundary between the parishes of Kensington and Fulham. By the 18th century, the creek had become known as Counter’s Creek, which is the name it has retained since.^]

The stream had two local bridges: Stamford Bridge on the Fulham Road (also recorded as Little Chelsea Bridge) and Stanbridge on the King’s Road, now known as Stanley Bridge. The existing Stamford Bridge was built of brick in 1860–1862 and since been partly reconstructed.