| London Town Guide |
Blackheath District
SE3
This district of south-east London is situated just to the south of Greenwich. It is named after its distinctive black soil.
Blackheath has been settled since Roman times and has had a very long and colourful history. In 1381 Wat Tyler and his followers assembled here before the Peasants' Revolt, and Henry V was met here after his victory at the Battle of Agincourt.
In 1608 England's first golf club, the Royal Blackheath, was founded here and in addition Blackheath has the oldest open Rugby Union club in the world.
Throughout much of this long history Blackheath was a rural district, but by the late 18th century it began to develop into a significant residential area. Many of the houses were built by wealthy middle class families, some of which survive to this day.
In the 19th century development increased and the housing spread over most of the district. But the people who lived here continued to be middle class and the district prospered.
Unlike many south-east London districts Blackheath retains a wealthy, elegant atmosphere to this day.
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