Preston Manor (to the northeast of present-day Hove) and its surrounding land were sold in 1794 to the family of Richard Stanford, who had been a tenant of the house for many years.

[4] The first vicar of the newly created Hove parish, Revd Thomas Pearcy, recognised the need for a church in the area, whose population had increased by 10,000 during the most intensive period of development (1865 to 1880).

[5] A set of choir stalls and a pulpit, both made of oak, were added soon after the church was finished, as was a font of alabaster.

There are various stained glass windows, including one commemorating victims of World War I; however a tower intended for the southwestern corner was never completed.

[11] St Barnabas Church follows a "Modern Catholic" style of worship, with Masses 6 days a week and various other services, including prayer groups.