Blackheath

Blackheath, a high-lying open common in the county of Kent, 7 miles S.E. of London, near Greenwich Park. It commands a fine view, and is a healthy tract, though now not more than 70 acres in extent, many villas having encroached upon its margin. It is a favourite holiday resort for Londoners. The Roman road to Dover crossed it. Blackheath was the first place in England where the ancient Scottish game of golf was introduced, most likely in 1608. On it stands Morden College, founded in 1695 by Sir John Morden for decayed Turkey merchants. Of schools innumerable, the chief is the Proprietary, established in 1830. Blackheath was formerly the scene of several insurrections, including those of Wat Tyler (1381), of Jack Cade (1450), and of the Cornishmen under Lord Audley (1497). Here, too, the Danes encamped in 1011; the Londoners welcomed Henry V. from Agincourt; and Charles II. on his way from Dover met the army of the Restoration. Blackheath was also a noted place for highwaymen. See Dr Drake's History of Blackheath (1886).