A native of Cockermouth, he was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A. 1809) and became a Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge, in 1820, the first Hulsean Lecturer 1820–1822 and later Canon of Worcester Cathedral 1825–1868. Benson was a noted public speaker and Southey heard him preach during his 1820 visit to Cambridge. From this time they corresponded occasionally.