A chapel was originally built in Park Vista but proved inadequate, and fundraising began for a new church, led by a priest, Richard Michael North.

His mother had reputedly vowed to build a church dedicated to Our Lady after her two sons were rescued following a Thames boating accident, and donated the site on Croom's Hill.

[1][2] Wardell designed the church in a Decorated Gothic style, with a landmark spire,[1] and it was constructed of Kentish ragstone with Caen stone dressings and roofed in Welsh slate.

[2] Work on the spire was completed in 1849; the cross at its apex is said to have been raised by Nelson's boatswain at the Battle of Trafalgar.

[2] Around 1863, a Perpendicular-style marble tomb and effigy for Canon Richard North was installed between the church's northeast chapel and its sanctuary (designed by Edward Welby Pugin).