All Saints Church, Hove
All Saints is Hove's Victorian parish church on The Drive, a Grade I-listed building designed by J.L. Pearson, architect of Truro Cathedral. Built from 1889 and finished by his son Frank, it is a large, lofty church in 13th-century French Gothic style, well worth a look for anyone interested in architecture.
Photos
All Saints Hove
The building
The nave and aisles went up in 1889–91, the east end was completed in 1901, and the base of the south-west tower and the entrance porch followed in 1924. The tower itself was never finished. The church is built of Sussex sandstone, and its scale makes it one of the most striking Victorian buildings in Hove.
Inside
Look for the carved reredos and sedilia by Nathaniel Hitch, ornate choir stalls given in 1915, and the carved screen commemorating those who died in the First World War. The stained glass is by Clayton and Bell, including three east windows, a big west window and a rose window in the north transept. The organ case was designed by Frank Pearson. The octagonal marble font, brass eagle lectern and 1940s wrought-iron screen to the north chapel are also worth seeking out. The organ itself was built by William Hill and Son in 1905. Light through the west window in the afternoon shows off the scale of the nave.
Visiting
All Saints is an active parish church and also hosts concerts, so check for services and events before visiting. It is a short walk from Hove's seafront and the Brunswick area, and Hove Park is to the north if you want green space afterwards.
Highlights
- Grade I listed
- Designed by J.L. Pearson, completed by Frank Pearson
- French Gothic style in Sussex sandstone
- Clayton and Bell stained glass
- Unfinished south-west tower
Good to know
- It is a working parish church; check service times before visiting.
- The church hosts concerts and events.
Frequently asked questions
Sources: historicengland.org.uk