In or just before 1880, the Church, having been known only as Hunsdon Church for many years was dedicated to St Dunstan by Revd Spencer Nairne, who was Rector from 1862 to 1880.  It has been suggested he believed (without much evidence) that it had previously been dedicated in this name.  (Evidence from old wills suggests it had formerly been dedicated to St Mary.)

Another theory about the renaming is that Spencer Charrington, Chairman of Charrington’s Brewery and Member of Parliament for Mile End but resident in Hunsdon House in the latter years of the 19th Century, had connections with the church of St Dunstan, Stepney, so the rededication may have been suggested by him or for him, but since he did not move to Hunsdon until after Spencer Nairne had left, this is unlikely.

Charrington himself is buried in the vault beneath the Carey Chapel.

Spencer Nairne is also recorded as having been buried in the vault.