The two parishes (formerly three) of the United Benefice were formed out of the parish of Saint Nicholas, Plumstead, at a time of increasing population in the area during the mid- to late- nineteenth century.

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Since Saint Nicholas was an early follower of the Oxford Movement, it is not surprising that its daughter churches are all firmly (yet un-selfconsciously) within the catholic tradition of the Church of England, with an emphasis on sacramental worship.

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In 1864 the church of Saint Margaret became the Parish Church of Plumstead in place of Saint Nicholas. As a consequence the Vicar of Saint Margaret (and therefore in succession the incumbent of Plumstead Common United Benefice) is the patron of the living of Saint Nicholas, Plumstead, as well as being ex officio a Foundation Governor of Saint Margaret School, the Church School closely connected with St Mark with St Margaret, and the United Benefice and central to its sense of mission.

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The incumbent is also a trustee of Dr. Plume’s Trust, constituted on 2 September 1704. The Plume Trust is largely concerned with Provision of relief by way of monetary grants to necessitous clergy in the Church of England Diocese of Rochester (which then included the deaneries of Eltham, Greenwich and Plumstead). It meets twice a year and meetings are usually followed by lunch.