Blackheath, London

Blackheath is a place in London, divided between the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Borough of Greenwich. The borough boundary runs across the middle of the heath; Blackheath Village is on the south side of the heath, in Lewisham, while the Blackheath Standard area and Westcombe Park lie on the north-east side, in Greenwich. The name derives from the dark colour of the soil, and not, as was popularly believed for many years, from the burial of victims of the Black Death on the heath in the 14th century.

Sporting associations

In 1608, according to tradition, Blackheath was the place where golf was introduced to England - the Royal Blackheath Golf Club (based in nearby Eltham since 1923) was one of the first golf associations established (1766) outside Scotland. Blackheath also gave its name to the first hockey club, established during the mid 19th century.

Related Topics:
Golf - Eltham - 1923 - 1766 - Scotland - Hockey - 19th century

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However, Blackheath is perhaps most famous as the home of the Blackheath Rugby Club, founded in 1858, which was the first Rugby club in the world without restricted membership. The Blackheath club also organised the world's first rugby international (between England and Scotland in Edinburgh on 27 March 1871) and hosted the first international between England and Wales ten years later - the players meeting and getting changed at the Princess of Wales public house.

Related Topics:
Blackheath Rugby Club - Rugby - England - Scotland - Edinburgh - 27 March - 1871 - Wales

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With neighbouring Greenwich Park, Blackheath is also well-known as the start point of the London Marathon. This maintains a connection with athletics dating back to the establishment of the Blackheath Harriers (now Blackheath and Bromley Harriers) in 1878. The heath frequently hosts kite-flying competitions.

Related Topics:
Greenwich Park - London Marathon - Athletics - Kite

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