To the west of the site was the watergate of Baynard's Castle, which is referenced in the biographies of Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey.

)[6][7] The church was narrowly saved from destruction in the late 19th century, when its parish was merged with that of St Nicholas Cole Abbey.

[8] In 2008 the church was closed for a few months due to a "dwindling congregation"[9] but reopened in time for the carol service in December that year.

The parish is within the Conservative Evangelical tradition of the Church of England, and it has passed resolutions to reject the ordination of women and/or female leadership.

The tower is situated to the north-west of the nave and is capped by a small lead dome, lantern and simple short spire.

There is a memorial to Inigo Jones, who was buried in the previous church,[14] and a medallion bust of Sir Robert Wyseman, a benefactor of St Benet's who died in 1684.