500 years ago, Cardinal Wolsey ordered the dissolution of Lesnes Abbey. Its ruin has stood ever since, but how much more is there to find? Join the dig to help archaeologists find out...
Are you ready to dig into history? Archaeologists are on mission to find out how much more there could be to Lesnes Abbey, in commemoration of the 500 year anniversary of its dissolution.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this is an exciting opportunity to help archaeologists unearth new information about the history of this fascinating site.
Book a place on the dig and we’ll show you how to excavate alongside our friendly team of archaeologists. Your discoveries could change what we know about Lesnes Abbey, and will contribute to a wider understanding of this historic site. Plus, you’ll have plenty of fun while you’re at it.
We can’t wait to see what you discover!
Key details
When: 21 – 26 April 2026
Where: Lesnes Abbey, Greater London
Who: Anyone aged 17+ living, working, studying or volunteering in the local area. To make sure everyone can take part, we kindly ask that you only book one session per person.
No previous experience required – just curiosity and a desire to try archaeology or find out more about Lesnes Abbey!
Cost: This event is free – generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Lesnes 500 Programme.
Booking is essential
Got kids? We welcome any children aged 12+ as long as they book with an adult!
What we're looking for
The ruins of Lesnes Abbey tell a story of power, penance and profound change. Founded in 1178 by Richard de Luci as an act of atonement for his role in the murder of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, the Abbey stood for over 350 years before becoming one of the first religious houses to be dissolved by Cardinal Wolsey.
Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument set within 88 hectares of ancient woodland and nationally important geological features, Lesnes Abbey remains a place where history and landscape are deeply intertwined. The site is treasured by local communities and carefully protected in partnership with Historic England, while its woodlands and open spaces continue to support rich biodiversity.
In 2026, the 500th anniversary of the Abbey’s dissolution offers a moment to reflect on this turning point in national and local history. Together with Bexley Council and the Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods, DigVentures will lead a community archaeological excavation, and we’re inviting you to take part in the search for surviving traces of the Abbey. Beneath the grass and soil, there may still be undiscovered remains waiting to reshape our understanding of this remarkable site.
What we'll do
We have one week to work together to uncover new clues about Lesnes Abbey and the landscape that surrounds it.
Through carefully targeted excavation trenches, we’ll investigate areas where buried remains of the Abbey may still survive. Every layer of soil will be gently removed, examined and recorded, helping us build a clearer picture of how the site developed, and what may have been lost 500 years ago.
You’ll learn how archaeologists read the ground, how to recognise different soil layers, identify finds, handle artefacts correctly, and record discoveries using professional techniques.
By the end of your experience, you won’t just understand how archaeology works, you’ll have actively contributed to uncovering new evidence about one of the earliest dissolved monasteries in England, right here in Bexley.
Together, we’ll piece together fragments of the past and add new chapters to the story of Lesnes Abbey.
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