Lesnes Abbey

Settlement in Kent

England

Lesnes Abbey

sunset Sunset over Southmere Lake with the flats in shadow — sunset Credit: Linda Craven

Lesnes Abbey, located in the county of Kent, England, is a historic site that once housed a medieval monastery. Situated in the borough of Bexley, Lesnes Abbey is surrounded by the picturesque Lesnes Abbey Woods, a nature reserve that covers an area of 88 hectares.

Originally founded in 1178, Lesnes Abbey was a priory of the Augustinian order and served as a religious institution until its dissolution in 1525. The abbey had a significant influence on the local community, providing spiritual guidance and contributing to the area's economic development through its agricultural activities.

Today, all that remains of the original abbey are the ruins, but they serve as a poignant reminder of the site's historical importance. The ruins include sections of the church, cloister, chapter house, and dormitory. Visitors can explore these remnants, offering an insight into the architectural style and daily life of the abbey's inhabitants.

Lesnes Abbey is also home to a modern visitor center, which provides more information about the site's history and offers educational resources for school groups. The surrounding Lesnes Abbey Woods, managed by the London Borough of Bexley, provide a tranquil setting for leisurely walks and nature exploration.

In recent years, efforts have been made to restore and preserve the ruins and enhance the visitor experience at Lesnes Abbey. The site attracts both history enthusiasts and nature lovers who appreciate the unique combination of historical significance and natural beauty that Lesnes Abbey has to offer.

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Lesnes Abbey Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.482387/0.12561475 or Grid Reference TQ4778. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

sunset

Sunset over Southmere Lake with the flats in shadow

Linda Craven

Abbey Wood station

The 'far south eastern' suburb of Abbey Wood is a long way from Central London. London's last tram route, which closed on 7 July 1952, ran all the way from here to the Embankment, taking well over an hour. In the present photograph, a new Class 376 unit heads an up service to London Charing Cross.

Dr Neil Clifton

Abbey Wood Library, Eynsham Drive, London SE2

At the time of the photograph, the library and the attached parade of shops and attached flats were receiving a major refurbishment.

Dr Neil Clifton

Terrace houses, Blithdale Road, Abbey Wood, London SE2

A style of housing popular between the wars. Whilst Blithdale Road is a pleasant enough road in most respects, it would appear that there are some dog owners hereabouts who would benefit from a little advice from the local Public Health department.

Dr Neil Clifton

St. Michael and All Angels Church, Abbey Wood Road, London SE2

The local Church of England has a large and active congregation. There is also a Catholic church just around the corner.

Dr Neil Clifton

Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT)

BOATs are not so common in London as they are in some other areas. This one is called Leather Bottle Lane and is at the north edge of Lesnes Abbey Woods in Belvedere, Kent. Thankfully, no-one was trying to drive a motor vehicle down it.

Dr Neil Clifton

Parkway Primary School, Alsike Road, Erith, Kent

A large modern primary school serving an area of mostly new housing.

Dr Neil Clifton

Lesnes Abbey ruins, Belvedere, Kent

Not much left of the actual abbey now, but the ruins stand in pleasant parkland, with picnic facilities and Lesnes Abbey Wood nearby.

Dr Neil Clifton

Congregational Church, Picardy Road, Belvedere, Kent

This very pleasant building seems to be about 100 years old, but there has been a church on this site for longer than that: the First Edition six-inch map labels a "Bapt. Ch." at this spot, which was then almost in open country.

Dr Neil Clifton

The Bedon Stream, Lessness Heath, Belvedere, Kent

I was at first unable to discover an official name for this minute brook, but a local person told me that it was called The Streamway. He also said that many years ago watercress was cultivated here. However, a correspondent has now contacted me with the information that the correct name is The Bedon Stream.

Dr Neil Clifton

Trees and daffodils, Bedonwell Road, Bexley, Kent

It's early April, and the daffodils and a blossom tree are out in this roadside view in Bexley.

Dr Neil Clifton

St. Andrew's Church, Brampton Road, Belvedere, Kent

A workman carries out maintenance on the garden wall of this very pleasing modern Church of England building.

Dr Neil Clifton

Plumstead Cemetery

The sun obliged me by being in just the right position for this shot of Plumstead Cemetery with its very elaborate spired mortuary chapel, constructed of limestone.

Dr Neil Clifton

Mortuary chapel, Woolwich Old Cemetery

A building of excellent appearance dating from the early Victorian years, it has a porch and spire, and is shaded by an old cedar tree. This hillside cemetery appears open and uncrowded.

Dr Neil Clifton

Stevens Park, East Wickham, Kent

This grid square is almost all suburban housing built between the wars, but is relieved by the open space of the small Stevens Park.

Dr Neil Clifton

St Peter's Church, Pickford Lane, Bexleyheath

Sunday morning - but the place was completely deserted!

Dr Neil Clifton

Abbey Wood railway station

This building is the main entrance to the station, and can be seen to the right of the train in Neil's TQ4779 : Abbey Wood station. The station is currently the planned south-eastern terminus of the Crossrail project, and an image of the proposed re-design of the station can be found here Link