All Saints began thanks to the initiative of Thomas Peacey, who became the first vicar of Hove in 1879. He decided that Hove’s needs were inadequately served by the then crumbling church of St Andrew’s, and set about building two new churches in the town. The first was St Barnabas, consecrated in 1883, and work began on All Saints six years later. Peacey gathered together a team of eminent church architects and designers led by JL Pearson, RA. Assisted by his son, Pearson employed Clayton and Bell to design the glass, Nathaniel Hitch as sculptor, and William Hill & Son to build the organ.
The foundation stone was laid in 1889. The nave and aisles were consecrated in 1891, but it was several years before the east end with its majestic reredos and carved choir stalls were completed. The soaring arches and massive pillars contrast beautifully with the restrained colours of Clayton and Bell’s stained glass. Smaller services take place in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on the southeast side of the church. Behind the vaulted chapel’s altar is a brightly coloured wooden reredos with five carved figures with the Virgin Mary surrounded by four great artists, writers and musicians: Bacon, Byrd, Angelico and Dante.
The church was Grade One listed in 1950.
