Pictures of Blackheath

About Blackheath

The heath has witnessed some momentous moments in British history, it was here that poor Anne of Cleeves tarried on her way to London - unfortunately for her, she impressed the crowd far more than her bridegroom to be, Henry VIII. Another historic occasion at Blackheath was Wat Tyler's rallying for the peasants revolt.

The heath has been an important meeting place since Roman times. Watling Street was the easiest way to get from the English Channel to London. The route ran right through Blackheath, making it an important meeting point for important visitors who were met by the mayor or alderman of the City of London.

Blackheath forms part of London's "green lungs" it is a beautiful place that provides a huge garden for the "village", it is also the place where James I first introduced the game of golf. It has two ponds, one used for boating.

The village is an architects dream, it has glorious Georgian houses and terraces. At the edge of Blackheath lies The Paragon, a crescent of colonnaded houses from the 18th-century.

In the 17th and 18th-centuries the area was plagued by highwaymen. However, with the introduction of better housing these rogues were soon despatched. During the 20th-century, following bomb damage caused by the air raids of the Second World War, Blackheath fell into serious disrepair, however the crescent and other picturesque parts have been restored, making it once again an attractive place to amble around.

All Saints Church is impressive, and the heath has some pleasant shops selling antiques, collectables, art and curios