Bennett was born in 1842 in Town Malling, Kent, and played his first billiards match aged 22.

[1] In November 1870, Bennett played John Roberts Jr. for the Billiards Championship and £200, and won the title with the scoreline 1,000-905.

[3][4] In September 1881, Bennett, who had broken his arm when being thrown out of a gig, resigned the title when challenged by Cook.

Following a stroke on Christmas Day 1904,[1] he died on 17 January 1905 at his home in Mayfair, London, from "apoplexy following a state of paralysis.

"[1][5] Bennett is briefly mentioned in Flashman at the Charge (1973) by George MacDonald Fraser.