BLACK HEATH

[missberry]

Is Black Heath called Black Heath because of a) it's a plague burial sight or b) because it's peat? Thanks!

[marla]

for a start it's called Blackheath. one word. and yeh you're right with a that it was to do with everyone being buried there after they died from the plague

[Paul---G]

Seem to remember it being a plague burial site from my school years....... But it could be becuase of both.........

[Moog]

Neither - I don't think it has anything to do with the plague, no plague pits have been found there. Victims were buried just outside the city which in the 17th century was no where near Blackheath. And there's no peat. I think the vegetation was just darker there than the surrounding areas because of the poor soil quality

[Moog]

Here you go.... http://www.lewisham.gov.uk/LocalHistory/historybla
ckheath.asp

[Greedyfly]

Gravesend was the Plague place

[marla]

oops sorry miss berry. just clicked on moog's link. everyone round here thinks it's cos of the plague! old ppl, young ppl...

[Paul---G]

Go on the moog!!! Well done!!! Clearly my school years were wasted........ Heres another link just to make me feel better.......... http://www.ideal-homes.org.uk/lewisham/blackheath-
02.htm ...........

[Moog]

Thank you Paul---G.