Lesnes Abbey, Norman monastery ruins in Abbey Wood, London Borough of Bexley, England
The remaining stone walls of Lesnes Abbey rise 2.5 meters high, incorporating flint, chalk, and Kentish ragstone in a cruciform church layout.
Richard de Luci founded this monastery in 1178, possibly as penance for his involvement in Thomas Becket's murder, and later died within its walls.
The site contains a manuscript from 1200-1220 called the Lesnes Missal, which includes references to the de Luci family coat of arms.
The abbey grounds feature a café, exhibition area, and extensive walking paths through 88 hectares of ancient woodland and parkland.
A mulberry tree planted by King James I stands on the grounds, marking an unsuccessful attempt to establish an English silk industry.
Location: London Borough of Bexley
Inception: 12 century
GPS coordinates: 51.48890,0.12888
Latest update: May 12, 2025 11:48
Crossness Pumping Station
2.3 km
London Riverside
3.2 km
Lesnes Abbey Woods
66 m
Winn's Common
2.6 km
Abbey Wood SSSI
204 m
Our Lady of the Angels Church, Erith
2.7 km
Crossness Nature Reserve
1.9 km
Plumstead Common Windmill
3.2 km
Crossness Pumping Station
2.3 km
The Plume Of Feathers Public House
2.1 km
Parish Church of St John the Baptist
2.9 km
Parish Church of All Saints
1.5 km
Church of St Nicholas (Plumstead)
2 km
Plumstead Fire Station
2.6 km
Greek Orthodox Church
2.2 km
Plumstead Library
2.3 km
Saint Michael and All Angels
754 m
Lock And Swing Bridge
3.4 km
Abbey Wood Library
1.4 km
St Paul's
2.8 km
St Paul
2.2 km
St Mark's with St Margaret
3 km
Delight
1.6 km
St Peter's
2.3 km
St Michael's
2.2 km
William Temple
1.4 km
Burial mound on Winns Common, Plumstead
2.4 km
Council Depot
2.4 kmReviews
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