Blackheath: historic exposures

Shooters Hill Road has nothing to do with drug use; it commemorates the fact that the heath was particularly renowned for its highwaymen in the 18th century.

History books say that Henry VIII welcomed Ann of Cleves as his new wife with an elaborate display on Blackheath. She must have been quite startled. I imagine you would get arrested for it nowadays.

Blackheath was the site of many other historical events. The official welcome for Henry V returning after his victory at the Battle of Agincourt was held there. Charles II was welcomed at Blackheath when he returned from exile.

Despite all that notoriety, the way the area got its name was pretty unimaginative. Blackheath was a heath and it’s soil was particularly black, so they called it Blackheath!