History of Eltham
Eltham was once a favoured royal residence and later became home to one of Britain’s best-loved children’s authors.
Its landmarks reflect a rich history, from medieval palaces to 20th-century design.
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace was one of the most important royal residences in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Its location made it ideal for monarchs travelling to and from France, while offering a peaceful retreat from the disease-ridden streets of London.
Although it fell out of favour with Tudor royalty in later years, the palace’s Great Hall remains.
In the 1930s, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld restored the site by building a striking Art Deco mansion attached to the medieval hall, creating one of Eltham’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
Eltham Lodge and Royal Blackheath Golf Club
After a period of decline, the estate was leased in the 1660s by Sir John Shaw, who built Eltham Lodge.
The surrounding parkland was repurposed for shipbuilding and agriculture. Today, Eltham Lodge is the home of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club.
Tudor Barn and Well Hall Pleasaunce
The Tudor Barn is the only surviving part of a country mansion built for Meg, daughter of Sir Thomas More.
The 16th-century building has been carefully restored and now sits within the landscaped grounds of Well Hall Pleasaunce.
The park features a medieval moat, a scented garden, and tranquil walking paths.
Literary history
From 1899 to 1921, children’s author Edith Nesbit lived in a house within the Well Hall Pleasaunce grounds. Her time there inspired several of her books, including The Railway Children.