The three parishes that now make up the United Benefice were originally formed out of the parish of Saint Nicholas, Plumstead, at a time of population growth in the area during the mid- to late- nineteenth century. ​
 
In 1865 the church of St Margaret became the Parish Church of Plumstead in place of St Nicholas, which became what was then described as a district church (a distinction that has long since been discarded).
 
There are today two churches in the United Benefice. South of the Common, the Ascension Church built in the early 20th century has remained virtually unchanged to the present day. The mid-Victorian St Margaret’s Church (which had been built adjacent to St Margaret's School on the site now occupied by Azile Everitt House) was closed in 1968 and subsequently demolished, and the parish united with St Mark’s. The 1901 St Mark’s Church was also demolished in the mid-1970's and a new church built on part of the site. This new building, which retained some artefacts from its predecessors, was completed and dedicated to both saints in 1976. 
 
A more complete history of the Parish of St Mark with St Margaret can be found here. It was written by the late Hugh Walsh, a member for many years of the congregation at St Mark’s and sometime Greenwich Borough librarian.
 
Download a PDF  of an early history of The Ascension Church here soon!

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