Scheduled MonumentsEnglandLesnes Abbey

Lesnes Abbey

England
List entry 1002025
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Lesnes Abbey is a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1178 by Richard de Lucy, situated in Abbey Wood, southeast London (historically in Kent). The abbey was established as a house of the White Canons and became one of the most substantial monastic foundations in the region, with significant landholdings and economic influence throughout the medieval period. The surviving remains include substantial ruins of the church and domestic buildings, notably the stone foundations and fragments of the presbytery and claustral ranges, which date from the late twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The abbey was dissolved in 1524 as part of the early suppressions preceding the main Dissolution, and the site subsequently fell into ruin, though the architectural fragments that survive provide evidence of its former architectural quality and the prosperity of this important monastic community.

Lesnes Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1002025. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Lesnes Abbey?

Lesnes Abbey is a Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1178 by Richard de Lucy, situated in Abbey Wood, southeast London (historically in Kent). It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1002025.

Who is responsible for protecting Lesnes Abbey?

Lesnes Abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1002025.

What other scheduled monuments are near Lesnes Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Burial mound on Winns Common, Plumstead (2.4 km), Shrewsbury Barrow, Shooters Hill (4.3 km), Hall Place (5 km).

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