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Lost Buildings and Ancients Lives of Lesnes Abbey Talk
Our resident Archaeologist Anthony Thomas will share his current research delving deep into Lesnes Abbey’s past, reaching back to Prehistoric, Roman and late Saxo-Norman time. Go back in time with Anthony as he shares his findings about how the abbey was laid on top of buildings from earlier periods. Surveys completed 2025 have indicated a number of small stone built platform-floors, which seem to represent a series of muti-period sequences of several industrial style timber-framed and stone building structures associated with external kilns-ovens and other domestic activities.
The Ruined Theatre, the team behind the previous Halloween hits Witches, Revolting Rymes and Hansel and Gretel now bring you another thrilling tale!
The Gobin of Lesnes, a new play by Jordan Paris directed by Nancy Sullivan.
Local girl Eliza has been locked in the tower of Lesnes by the greedy Abbott until she can spin straw into gold….
She can’t….
No one can!
….or can they?
Well certainly no human can… but maybe a goblin?…..
But what price will Eliza be prepared to pay for the Goblins gold.
Join us for this dark tale of the Goblin of Lesnes told during twilight performances with illuminations as part of Bexley’s Night Visions festival.
Sit in the ancient 800 year old walls of Lesnes Abbey Ruins with a backdrop of the ancient woods and be captivated as this reimagined classic is performed by amazing professional actors in this semi-staged reading … There isn’t a more perfect way to get into the spirit of Halloween.
This performances is suitable for all ages but those with tickets must be able to sit for the duration of the performance (1hr) so we recommend 6yrs+.
Dates and Times:
October 29th: 4.45pm
October 30th: 1pm
October 31st: 4.45pm
£6.50 – £9.00
Woodland Festival is part of the commemoration programme marking 500 years since the dissolution of Lesnes Abbey.
There’s loads to see and do!
A Medieval Grange: jester; cook and herbalist; wool spinners; medieval musicians with period instruments; green woodworkers and a working medieval forge.
Music and Dance: Folk Music; medieval dancing lesson; Morris dancing and some African drumming… and we’ll finish off with a grand procession for everyone to participate in.
Kid’s Favourites: Appearances by some well loved children’s characters… The Snow Sisters; exploratory trails; quizzes; get dressed up for the procession!
Explore the Woods and Nature: Talks; walks; woodland mindfulness; bees; butterflies; ponds and more.
Historical information: Archaeological walk; An exhibition on Lesnes Abbey;
Creativity: An art show; crafting and plenty more to have a go at.
Woodland Crafts: At “The Clearing” join in with creative crafting, woodland relaxation and other fun activities
Popular Farmer’s Market: fabulous food and drink and a special focus on crafts and the environment
This event has been made possible by a grant through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and players of the National Lottery.
Little Faith – a play about our Lesnes Abbey presented by The Ruined Theatre
Little Faith is a play about how and why Lesnes Abbey closed under King Henry VIII told through the eyes of the local people of Abbey Wood in the 1500’s.
This short play with music, comedy and action set in the ruins of Lesnes is a beautiful experience to learn more about the Abbey and it’s history before it became our beloved Ruins, Be transported back to 1525 with and learn why the heart still beats today.
This play is suitable for all to enjoy although we do recommend for children to be ages 6+
A plant gall is an abnormal growth on plant tissues caused by organisms like insects, mites, fungi, bacteria, nematodes, or viruses. These growths typically form on leaves, stems, roots, or flowers as a plant’s response to irritation or chemical signals from the invading organism. Galls provide food and shelter for the organism inside. While they may look unusual, most galls are not harmful to the overall health of the plant.
Join like-minded people with an interest in recording wildlife observations for a day identifying and recording plant galls in an informal environment. Naturalists of all levels (from beginner to expert) will be able to share their experiences with peers and help one another improve their knowledge and build confidence in biological recording, all under the guidance of gall expert Tommy Root.
What will the day involve?
- Practical experience of finding and identifying plant galls in the field.
- Access to a knowledgeable plant gall specialist with the opportunity to discuss identification questions.
- A chance to meet fellow like-minded people from a range of different disciplines.
What do I need to know in advance?
- This event is aimed at adults only.
- Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited.
- Recorders of all abilities are welcome.
- Identification will take place in the field whenever possible, but some specimens may need to be collected to be observed in more detail and identified at a later date.
- We’ll be outside for the whole day so please bring suitable clothing for the weather, as well as your lunch and any snacks you will require with you on the day.
Recording London’s Wildlife
All records collected will be added to the LNHS iRecord activity in order to share our findings with the site managers, Greenspace Information for Greater London (GiGL), London Natural History Society (LNHS) and relevant national recording schemes and societies.
This event is being run as a collaboration between the Biological Recording Company and Lesnes Abbey Woods as part of the Lesnes 500 project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Join Dr Mark Spencer to record the fungi of Lesnes Abbey Woods and delve into the fascinating world of mycology.
About this event
The Ruined Theatre in association with Bexley Council & National Lottery Heritage Fund, marking the 500th anniversary since the closure of Lesnes Abbey, bring you a new play, Little Faith by Piers Black.
Set in the walls of the Lesnes Abbey Ruins this play is about community, faith and hope, taking you on a tale of how and why The Abbey closed 500 years ago.
Told with a cast of 3 actors this play is an engaging experience for all ages.
Come and learn more about the history of Lesnes Abbey with The Ruined Theatre.
Ages 5+
Running time 30 minutes. Performance times 11.30am or 1pm
Tickets:- £3.50 Adults & £2.00 Children
Online sales have now closed. There will be limited tickets on the gate.
Summer is back! Why not get tickets for Lesnes Abbey Twilights – an early evening street food and music event.
Performance is 7-9pm but gates open to buy from our amazing street foodies and bars from 5pm!
We are excited to say that we have the amazing Razmataz – performing Motown hits and more! This amazing soulful duo will get the party started and we can’t wait!
There will be a licensed bar. You can either purchase a ticket for £11 and bring your own chair
We are really excited to welcome back Ruined Theatre with these amazing opportunities for young people and children who are interested in performance.
Musical Kids – 14/15/16 April (5 – 11 years)
Come & learn some of the best musical theatre numbers from WICKED & MATILDA,
songs will be sent out in advance for participants to learn or be familiar with ahead of the class.
The aim of these sessions is for children to come and explore performing, we will cater for different levels of confidence, everyone is welcome.
Act Up – 15th and 16th of April (12 – 18 yrs)
A class for young people with an interest in acting, in this class we will look at drama games, scripts and improvisation. Participants will learn skills and how to have fun when approach acting!
A brilliant session to introduce young people to acting! Young people must be booked onto both sessions to continue what we have learnt the previous session.
Information for both classes:
Sessions are 50mins each and £4 per place
These are subsidised sessions as part of a grant from Bexley Council as part of #CelebratingBexley (normal cost would be £7).
Children must be booked onto all the sessions to continue what we have learnt the previous session
Classes will take place at Lesnes Abbey lodge, Abbey Wood, se2 0nx
To Book:
We have a limited number of places per workshop.
To GET YOUR PLACE you will need to email us to book, in reply we will send you additional information & payment details to secure your place. Please note courses will need to be paid for in advance.
EMAIL:
Do you work from home? Why not give yourself a break and come to our Mid Week Walks Session organised by the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods. Join them for a free, lunchtime walk. Starting 22 January 2025, then every 4th Wednesday of the month. Meet at Chestnuts Kiosk at 1.15pm.
Our experienced guide will lead you on a one hour circular walk through ancient woodland. Connect with nature, experience the changing seasons and enjoy the peace and quiet – a perfect way to spend your lunchtime (remember to dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear)
To reserve to space or to ask a question please email:-