he contributed an interesting life of weber to the series of biographies of "great musicians". in 1871 he was knighted, and in 1874 was made knight commander of the orders of franz joseph i of austria and frederick i of württemberg. in 1884, friends set up a benefit fund to aid him financially. he died in london on 5 june 1885. a london county council blue plaque commemorates benedict at 2 manchester square, marylebone, where he lived and died.