[1] Formed in October 1869 as Peckham Hare and Hounds, and converted shortly after into The Peckham Athletic Club, this group of oarsmen, cricketers, gymnasts and general sportsmen would seem to be the earliest instance of a Club deliberately incorporating both track and cross-country in the basic purposes of its existence.
Under the presidency of Frederick H Reed from 1882 to 1905, membership soared to exceed 200 by 1883, and the Club provided many prominent competitors and officials for national and area athletics.
In 1926 Blackheath Harriers purchased its present freehold Clubhouse at Hayes for £850, which has since been added to, both in terms of extension to the building and additional land for car parking.
He set world records of 4m 6.4s for the mile in 1937 and 1m 49.2s for 880 yards in 1938, both at Club meetings, and won European titles in 1938 and 1946 at 1500 and 5000 metres respectively.
Strong performances in the Kinnaird, Ryder, Reading, Sward, Waddilove and other such trophy meetings over this golden period guaranteed Blackheath's inclusion in the National League (Division 1), newly formed in 1969, our centenary year.