William Benson (abbot)

William Benson (died 1549) was the last Abbot of Westminster Abbey before its dissolution under King Henry VIII.

Benson was educated at Westminster Abbey and Christ Church, Oxford. He was elected Abbot of Westminster in 1534, succeeding John Islip. As Abbot, he initially resisted the encroaching Royal Supremacy over the Church in England. However, he eventually capitulated and surrendered the Abbey to the King in 1539, signing the deed of surrender. In return, he received a substantial pension for life. He was also appointed Dean of Westminster Abbey when it was briefly re-founded as a cathedral church in 1540.

Benson was later deprived of the Deanship of Westminster in 1549, likely due to his perceived sympathies towards the old religion. He died later that same year. He is considered a controversial figure, remembered for presiding over the end of a significant religious institution in England.