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Blackheath Greenwich
   

Blackheath

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Blackheath is common land, the name probably arising from the colour of the soil. It has been managed for public use since 1871 when it was taken over by the MBW, although it has long had public access courtesy of the lords of the manor, an important place for a multitude of events from fairs to actions of highwaymen, royal celebrations to rebellions, battles to religious gatherings. Associations with sporting activities include its early use for golf, cricket and football. Until the C18th and rise of speculative building Blackheath was largely undeveloped and consisted of a few cottages; a number of the ponds are probably the remains of gravel pits. During WWII parts of Blackheath were ploughed and other areas had Nissen huts for the army. The northern part of the heath is in LB Greenwich, the southern part in LB Lewisham.
   
Previous / Other name:
Site location: Shooters Hill Road/Charlton Way/Maze Hill/Prince Charles Road/Point Hill/Maidenstone Hill
Postcode: SE3
Type of site: Public Open Land 
Date(s):
Designer(s):
Listed structures: LBI: Ranger's House. LB: Gibb Memorial
Borough: Greenwich
Site ownership: Crown Estates (Greenwich)/Earl of Dartmouth (Lewisham)
Site management: LB Lewisham/LB Greenwich; Joint Blackheath Working Party
Open to public? Yes
Opening times: unrestricted
Special conditions:
Facilities: Bowling green, tennis courts
Events: various events throughout year, including fair, circus, London Marathon
Public transport: DLR: Greenwich. Rail: Blackheath. Bus: 53, 54, 89, 108, 202, 380
The information shown above was correct at the time of the last update 01/07/2005
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.blackheath.org

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