The Manor of Lee was in the historic parish of Blackheath and existed up to 1900 when it was merged with the parish of Lewisham to create the Metropolitan Borough of Lewisham

While modern Lee is centred on Lee railway station, the old parish was based around Lee High Road which today stretches into the town centre of Lewisham.  The River Quaggy formed much of the boundary between the two parishes, though at Lee Bridge it is now almost completely hidden.  

In the past, Lee was a popular place for wealthy London merchants to live -  which led to the building of a number of large country houses in the 17th and 18th centuries.  The three that survive are Manor House which is now a library, Pentland House which is now a part of Goldsmiths College, and The Cedars which is now home to a housing development. 

Lee is a great place for family outings – particularly around the newly redeveloped Manor House Gardens, which features a large lake, café, multi-sports court and children’s playground.  It is also host to a regular farmers market.  The park has received a celebrated Green Flag Award from the Civic Trust for the fifth year in a row. Chinbrook Meadows features a new sports pavilion and children’s playground. 

Art enthusiasts should visit the Stark Gallery which displays a wide variety of original artwork and a wide range of modern crafts. St Margaret's Church is the burial place of three Astronomers Royal: Edmond Halley, Nathaniel Bliss and John Pond.