On the site where the current church stands, a wooden chapel once existed around the 12th century.

In 1235 John le Porter provided the land and King Henry III contributed 50 marks towards the construction.

The completed church was dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi, from where the neighbouring street got its name.

[2] During the 17th century, the Franciscans acquired the land for their own use, but they had to reconsider their plans due to the fallout of the Popish Plot by Titus Oates in 1678.

He added the main exterior features of the church such as the ionic portico, pediment, bell tower and cupola.