As part of westward expansion of London the land was developed by Robert Gunter the elder, who planned a residential estate, together with a church, to lend tone to the area.

[3][4] The church, built to a design by George Godwin the younger (who was also responsible for St Jude's, Courtfield Gardens, and St Luke's Church, Redcliffe Gardens) on land given by Gunter in the centre of the proposed development, was erected before the estate was built[3] and was the first parish to be made out of the larger parish of Holy Trinity, Brompton, which since 1829 had covered much of Brompton.

[4] The church is stonebuilt, with Kentish rag capped with Bath stone externally and Hassock internally.

[4] The roof and organ were damaged by German bombs during World War II, which shattered many windows.

[4] After the war the church was restored; the altar was moved to below the crossing and a new Lady Chapel was made from what was previously the sanctuary.