There is the common conception of a link between Blackheath and the Black Death. This is not true and writer ANDRE ERASMUS takes a look at its origins, thanks to a new book ...

Over the years, there has been much debate about the name of Blackheath that beautiful and scenic expanse of land south of Greenwich.

Many have supposed its name comes from the Black Death, a pestilence which struck England in the 14th Century and took many lives.

The same school believe many of the victims of this plague were buried on the heath, hence its name.

Not so, says author Neil Rhind.

In his new book, The Heath, revised last year, he points out the name Blackheath is, quite simply, derived from two English words: black because of the colour of the soil (not the gloomy appearance of the surrounding country) and heath being an area of uncultivated land covered with heather.

In fact, he adds, Blackheath, as the name for the area, was well established before the Black Death.

And, the author points out, while there are other open spaces within Greater London which are more picturesque, geographically more interesting and botanically more rewarding, not many have seen a range of activities and settings for grand events ranging from battles to fairs, demonstrations of loyalty and affection or treason and disaffection as Blackheath.

Neil Rhind writes in his well-researched book about Blackheath's origins and strategic importance from before Roman times to the modern era and how easy it has been to fall into the trap of myths with so much history attached to this 275 acre stretch of land lying 125 feet above sea level.

So he dispells stories of mass graves from the plague, excuses to bring in Dick Turpin and even Robin Hood due to the prevalence of highwaymen and footpads way back.

Among the more preposterous of these "legends" was the notion that Robin Hood and his band of merry men would stop off at the Green Man pubafter a day of robbing the rich in Sherwood Forest!

He also looks back at the days of quarrying for chalk and the extensive caverns.

These were used in the 19th Century for masked balls until, in 1853, some wag doused the lights, panic ensued and the entrance was closed for some time.

But the myths, truths and legends continued.

Even sinkholes similar to the one last summer have been around since the 18th Century.

The Heath is a fascinating and worthwhile look at an area of Greater London which now abounds with sought-after residences and is steeped in history.

The book is a companion volume to Blackheath Village and Environs and is available from The Bookshop Blackheath (020 8852 4786) or The Warwick Leadlay Gallery in Greenwich (020 8858 0317).