Blackheath

Outside the gates at the top of Greenwich Park sits Blackheath, with the landmark of All Saints Church commanding a view across the heath and down into Blackheath Village.

Those of us who grew up in Greenwich will probably have been told that Blackheath got its name because it was a burial site for those who died during the plague or the ‘black death’. This however is an urban myth and the name is more likely to come from the old English words ’bleak heath’, meaning dark soil or heathland.

The first Roman road between London and Dover, Watling Street, or the A2 as it’s now known, runs through the centre of Blackheath. Providing a direct road from the coast to the centre of London. Because of its position on the road, Blackheath was notorious with highwaymen, and its areas of woodland provided excellent hiding places for them to lie in wait for the coaches and travellers across the heath.

Its placing as an area of high ground above the city also meant that Blackheath played its role in various moments through history. There’s been rebel gatherings, military exercises and camps, religious meetings and numerous fairs and circuses. The area was also favoured by the Lord Mayors of London to welcome their monarchs to the City and to meet many distinguished guests. In 1540 it was here on Blackheath that Henry VIII went to meet his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

Blackheath also plays a part in the history of sport, with England’s oldest rugby and hockey clubs founded here. It is also said that it was where golf was first introduced into England and The Royal Blackheath Golf Club played on the heath until 1923. Today however, golf is banned on Blackheath. Throughout the week numerous sports are played on the heath and it provides the backdrop as the start of the London Marathon.

Blackheath Village sits on the far side of the Heath on the opposite side to Greenwich Park. The village houses boutiques, artisan food shops and many restaurants, with a distinct café-culture. A farmers market fills the station carpark on a Sunday and is a great place to pick up all you need after a walk around the village.