Blackheath’s interesting and historical architecture

If you’re planning on visiting Blackheath, there are five historic buildings you shouldn’t miss. <i>(Image: Emily Davison / English Heritage / Google)</i>
If you’re planning on visiting Blackheath, there are five historic buildings you shouldn’t miss. (Image: Emily Davison / English Heritage / Google)
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If you’re planning on visiting Blackheath, there are five historic buildings you shouldn’t miss.

Blackheath is one of south east London’s historic neighbourhoods brimming with plenty of buildings dating back as early as Georgian times.

With places like The Rangers House, which has served as a popular Bridgerton filming location, it is one of south east London’s prettiest neighbourhoods to take a walk in.

The Rangers House

On the borders of Blackheath and Greenwich sits The Rangers House, famously known as one of the filming locations for Netflix series Bridgerton.

The house is usually seen in the series decorated in purple wisteria, serving as the London home of the wealthy Bridgerton family.

The Rangers House is famously known as one of the filming locations for Netflix series Bridgerton.The Rangers House is famously known as one of the filming locations for Netflix series Bridgerton. (Image: English Heritage)

This opulent Georgian villa was originally built in 1723 by vice-admiral Francis Hoiser who wanted to be located near Greenwich’s dock before it was later used by the park’s rangers.

A house has stood on the site even before The Rangers House, when a man by the name of Andrew Snape occupied a vacant strip of wasteland and built a house in the 1670s, before it was later demolished and replaced with the hosue you see today.

Today the building is owned by English Heritage and is home to the Wernher Collection - a large collection of art, sculptures, tapestries and jewellery which you can explore, with a ticket priced at £10 for an adult.

The Paragon

Located on the Western side of the heath you’ll find The Paragon, a Grade I listed structure dating back 230 years.

The Paragon is an interesting collection of seven semi-detached buildings formatted in a semi-circular shape, not too dissimilar to Bath’s Royal Circle.

The Paragon is an interesting collection of seven semi-detached buildings formatted in a semi-circular shape not to dissimilar to Bath’s Royal Circle.The Paragon is an interesting collection of seven semi-detached buildings formatted in a semi-circular shape. (Image: Emily Davison)

The build was proposed in 1793 by local Michael Searles to wealthy local merchant John Cator, who took on the project.

The build began the following year with the first owners moving into the houses by 1800, and today it remains to be one of Blackheath’s most desired areas according to Blackheath estate agent Winkworth’s.

The build was proposed in 1793 by local Michael Searles to wealthy local merchant John Cator who took on the project.The build was proposed in 1793 by local Michael Searles to wealthy local merchant John Cator who took on the project. (Image: Emily Davison)

The Paragaon is also unique in that it holds a Grade I listing, which is also shared with other prominent buildings like the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, so residents looking to do work to the exterior must get permission before they do so.

Dacre Park

Waking down Dacre Park you’ll find a row of pastel-colored houses that look as if they belong on the set of Mary Poppins.

Walking down Dacre Park you’ll find a row of pastel-colored houses that look as if they belong on the set of Mary Poppins.Walking down Dacre Park you’ll find a row of pastel-colored houses that look as if they belong on the set of Mary Poppins. (Image: Emily Davison)

These houses date back to the mid 19th century, with several of them holding a Grade II listing.

These houses are also some of Blackheath’s most expensive, with the average house price at £1,069,375 according to RightMove.

These houses date back to the mid 19th century, with several of them holding a Grade II listing.These houses date back to the mid 19th century, with several of them holding a Grade II listing. (Image: Emily Davison)

Vanbrugh Castle

Located North of Blackheath on Maze Hill, Vanbrugh Castle is distinguishable by its turrets and its Blue Plaque dedicated to John Vanbrugh, who designed the building in 1719.

Vanbrugh was also the designer behind other well-known buildings like Blenheim Palace but, unlike some of his other baroque style designs, Vanbrugh took on a more medieval and gothic style.

Vanbrugh Castle is distinguishable by its turrets and its Blue Plaque dedicated to John Vanbrugh.Vanbrugh Castle is distinguishable by its turrets and its Blue Plaque dedicated to John Vanbrugh. (Image: Google)

Since it was first built the building has had many uses from being an RAF school during World War II before it later became Grade II listed in the 1950s.

The castle also served as a filming location for the 1986 film Mona Lisa.

Blackheath Halls

Blackheath Halls was first built in 1894 as a purpose-built concert hall.Blackheath Halls was first built in 1894 as a purpose-built concert hall. (Image: Google)

Blackheath Halls was first built in 1894 as a purpose-built concert hall.

This Grade II listed building has welcomed many musical acts and theatrical performances over the years.

The building was built with Leicester brick, along with rounded windows on the first floor of the building, and can host up to 500 people.

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