Dawson’s Hill was the site of an Iron-Age burial mound and a Roman Fort.
Between the first and second world wars, the hill was the site of a market garden and retained fragments of a much older orchard. There are 3 veteran pears, 4 veteran plums, 1 veteran apple still remaining from the orchard.
Varieties of fruit include William Bon Chetrien, Bramley’s Seedling and Beurré d’Amanlis – an old variety of French pear.
Where can you find it
Dawsons Hill Orchard can be found on the Dawsons Heights estate between Dunstans Road and Overhill Road, SE22. The veteran pear trees are on the slope nearest Dunstans Road and by the playground at the top of the hill.
How do you get there:
Nearest station is Forest Hill, then take bus 176, 197 or 185.
