The Blackheath Preservation Trust is one of the oldest building preservation trusts in the UK. It was founded in 1938 by members of the newly-formed Blackheath Society as an independent and separate property company (not a charity), with shareholders drawn from local and interested parties.

Its original objective was to rescue buildings in or near Blackheath, notable for their architectural and historic interest, and which were at risk from demolition or inappropriate alteration. This was particularly important at that time as it was fulfilling a role which has gradually been incorporated into statutory provisions, including the listing of buildings and establishing local conservation areas.

Since 1938 the BPT has undertaken about forty major projects, notably the restoration of Vanbrugh Castle, the Blackheath Halls, the Stationmaster's House at Blackheath Station, Brigade House (originally the local fire station) and the Blackheath Art Club.

Vanbrugh Castle - 1719
Maze Hill SE10
Architect: Sir John Vanbrugh

The Blackheath Art Club - 1885 & 1892 additions
Bennett Park SE3
Architects: Higgs & Rudkin

Chapman House - 1848
the former Blackheath Stationmaster's House
Blackheath Village SE3
Architect: George Smith

The Blackheath Halls - 1895
Lee Road  SE3
Architects: James Edmeston & Edward Gabriel

In 1986 the BPT set up a new and now independent charity, the Blackheath Historic Buildings Trust, specifically to attract grant funding for the restoration of Boone's Chapel, a small architectural gem in Lee, attributed to Sir Christopher Wren, and one of only two Grade I listed buildings in the London Borough of Lewisham.

The administration of the BPT
The most recent renovation project, Brigade House (the old Village fire station) was completed about five years ago, and, with the property portfolio greatly reduced, the administrative needs of the Trust are now minimal.

The office in Chapman House closed at the end of 2006.   The BPT still has an office facility in Chapman House, though it is no longer staffed.

 Directors

Julia Maynard
Frank Smith
Carolyn Watkins
Ted Watts Chairman
 

In 1982 the BPT purchased about four acres of
woodland  (now known as the Westcombe Woodlands) between Maze Hill and Vanbrugh Hill in Greenwich, to protect it from development. A new subsidiary, The BPT Woodlands Company Ltd, was set up in 2004 to take over responsibility for the future funding and management of the site.

The Company recently commissioned a study of the bird life on this land and the summary document can be accessed by opening the word document attached to this link >>

The detailed findings can be accessed by downloading the documents attached to this link >>

Contact information

The Blackheath Preservation Trust Ltd
Chapman House
10 Blackheath Village
London SE3 9LE

The BPT Woodlands Company Ltd
contact information is as above

Registered Office:
Chapman House, 10 Blackheath Village, London SE3 9LE
Registered Company number: 344622