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Back in 1086, Lessness Heath was recorded in the Domesday Book. The settlement already had 68 households and it was the largest settlement in the Hundred of Litlelee in Kent. This DA17 area gave its name to the ancient hundred (an administrative division). Moreover, Lessness Heath became the meeting place for discussing matters for the residents across the whole hundred. The Little and Lesnes Hundred existed before the 11th century. It was recorded as the Hundred of Litelai in the Domesday Book. The name changed to Litlelee and Litley. The name Little and Lesnes was used starting with the 14th century until the 19th century when hundreds were made obsolete. The spelling Lessness is also recorded and the shorter name Hundred of Lessness seemed to be preferred.
The name Lessness Heath may derive from the Anglo-Saxon word “hlēosne” which is the plural of “hlēosn” which means shelter or burial mound. The word “næss” which means headland might have been added later. The Domesday Book records the area as Lesneis and Loisnes. Other 11th-century name variants include Leosne, Hlosness, and Lesnes towards the end of the 11th century. Eighteenth-century map engraver Emanuel Bowen marks this South East London area as Leesing on his maps. The 19th-century Ordnance Survey map records the area as Lesness Heath. Lessness Heath gave its name to the now ruined Lesnes Abbey.
Lessness Heath has a Top Dog Training School & Home Boarding facility that provides services such as daycare, boarding, training, and walking. Those looking to grab a bite in the area can visit the fish and chips takeaway or the Indian takeaway. Frank’s Park is a favorite walking area among the residents. It features a children’s playground and it’s a popular destination among dog walkers and hikers. Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church is a place of worship in Lessness Heath.