The Church of the Ascension, Dartmouth Row, previously Dartmouth Chapel, had its origins initially in Lewisham's manorial history.

The Chapel was established in 1699 by Susannah Graham, aunt of William Legge (later Earl of Dartmouth and Lord of the Manor of Lewisham), so that the Vicar of Lewisham could preach a sermon each Sunday.

The church was rebuilt in 1750 and 1838. It became a parish church in 1883.