Visitor Attractions
Lesnes Abbey, Abbey Road, Belvedere
See the remains of historic Lesnes Abbey on a visit to Belvedere in Bexley.
The abbey was founded in 1178 by Richard de Luci, Chief Justiciar to Henry II. De Luci founded the abbey as an act of penance after supporting Henry II in events leading to the murder of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.
Lesnes belonged to the order of Augustinian canons, but was abandoned in 1525 when Henry VIII's minister Cardinal Wolsey obtained permission to close all monasteries in England and Wales with less than eight inmates.
The abbey fell into disrepair, but parts of it survived and Lesnes was opened to the public as a park in 1931. Since 1986 the site has belonged to Bexley Council.
Opening details: Open daily
Tel: 020 8303 7777
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