The area of Lewisham and Blackheath features multiple times in the canon. In fact in 'The Sussex Vampire' it is revealed that Watson used to play rugby for Blackheath. It is also where Holmes goes to meet with the parents of 'the unhappy John Hector McFarlane' in 'The Norwood Builder'. However, its main appearance is in one of the last adventures to be published - 'The Retired Colourman'.
I therefore followed Holmes' earlier suggestion to Lestrade, arriving at Blackheath Station, as did Watson when sent by Holmes, who was engaged on another case, to meet with Josiah Amberley, the titular retired colourman (he used to manufacture painting supplies). It is also Blackheath Station where Watson finds that a lounger in the street outside Amberley's home with a very military appearance has followed him, jumping on the same train.
Exiting the station I then walked into Blackheath Village, before taking a right into The Glebe. In March 1897, Conan Doyle met Miss Jean Leckie, a woman in her twenties who lived at 10 The Glebe with her parents. Their love became romantic, but Conan Doyle was clear that he would not divorce his wife, Louisa ('Touie') who was slowly dying of Tuberculosis. They therefore kept a platonic relationship for nine years. His wife died in July 1906, and two months later, he and Jean wed.
Retracing my steps into Lee Terrace, I continued on Brandham Road and then Cedars Close. It was here that 'The Cedars', the home of Neville St. Clair and his family was located in 'The Man With The Twisted Lip'. Holmes and Watson attended here to meet with Mrs. St. Clair, after Watson had stumbled across Holmes in an opium den.
Returning to Brandham Road, I continued onto Lee High Road where after just under a mile, I reached 317 Lee High Road, formerly known as 'Park Cottage', the true name of the building which Watson called 'The Haven' (according to Sherlockian topologist, Bernard Davies). It was here that Josiah Amberley lived, and from where his wife and neighbour had apparently run off together, taking Amberley's savings with them.
Catching a bus back to Blackheath Station, I got back on a train, looking out for loungers with military appearances.
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