The Church of the Ascension, Dartmouth Road, previously Dartmouth Chapel, had its origins initially in Blackheath'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 the mid 18th century and again in the mid 19th century.