Built almost wholly of brick, inside and out, it dominates the streetscape of the late Victorian suburb and has a tall, "dramatic"[2] interior displaying many of Blomfield's favourite architectural features.

Falling attendances and high maintenance costs caused it to close after a final service in November 2007, and the Diocese of Chichester officially declared it redundant soon afterwards.

[7][8] Despite this lavish provision, there were no Anglican churches close to Clive Vale; the only place of worship in the suburb was a Congregational chapel opened in 1887,[9] although a parish room with the dedication All Souls was erected on Athelstan Road in 1884.

[10] A resident of St Leonards-on-Sea, Elizabeth Mason, provided money for a church to be built[11] in memory of her late husband,[10][12][13] and a site was found at the junction of Athelstan and Berlin Roads.

[2] The foundation stone was placed on All Souls' Day (2 November) 1889, construction work began in 1890, and the church was opened on 16 July 1891 after a consecration ceremony.

[8] The first indication that All Souls Church may close came in August 2002, when structural problems were discovered, forcing the entrance on Berlin Road to be shut.

[15] It remained open for a few more years, but the final service was held on 4 November 2007 and a temporary closure notice was served.

[20] The church was later reassessed and upgraded to Grade II*,[2] the second highest status; such buildings are considered "particularly important ... [and] of more than special interest".

It notes that his use of the sloping site, a "vigorous" Early English Gothic Revival style, a distinctive plan, unusual window layouts and red brick throughout made it a "boldly massed town church [with a] dramatic grouping".

[2][13][28] The interior is "spacious" and has a high-quality roof of open timberwork; Blomfield's churches have characteristically good woodwork.

[1][12] Fittings include Heaton, Butler and Bayne stained glass windows, an "impressively ornate" wrought-iron rood screen and an intricate reredos with marble mosaic work.