Lesnes Abbey and Woods

A new book by local historian Chris Hawkins tells the story of the land once owned by Lesnes Abbey.

The abbey of St Mary and St Thomas the Martyr, built by Richard de Luci in 1178, occupied a sloping site between river marshes and woodland. One of the first to be dissolved in 1525, the abbey lands were afterwards leased as a farm. The first detailed map produced in 1655 shows many interesting features including trackways, pond, chalk pit, orchards of fruit trees and the woodland – particularly sweet chestnut trees - managed by coppicing.

Later maps help to tell the story of how the woods changed over time. With the arrival of the railway, houses were built on the outer edges of the woodland. A public park since 1930, today Lesnes Abbey Woods are a wonderful reminder of the rich history of our borough and the woodland.

‘Lesnes Abbey Woods’ is the perfect companion to Chris Hawkins’s previous book ‘Lesnes Abbey’ in which he answers questions like who founded the abbey and why, what did the monks do, where was the brewery and how did the abbey fall foul of the law.

Both books can be purchased at Bexley Local Studies and Archive Centre or by calling us on 020 3045 3369 to make a card payment. (Price each £11.99 plus £2 post and packaging if applicable).