About the Business
Sackville College is a Jacobean Almshouse founded by Robert Sackville in 1609 and still in use as an Almshouse today. The College is built of Sussex sandstone around a quadrangle and contains large mullioned windows and four exquisite old doorways, the northern one of which bears the Dorset Coat of Arms. These almshouses are a splendid example of Jacobean architecture. The College's connection with the Sackville family goes back to the year 1609 and the will of Robert Sackville, Earl of Dorset.
This provided a sum of money with which to buy land and "build a convenient house of brick and stone" to be used as an almshouse. For many years the College had a second use, too: providing overnight accommodation for the Sackville family as they journeyed to and from their estates in Sussex. The vistors are shown the Common room where residents used to cook meals, the Great Hall with its Minstrels' Gallery and hammer beam roof, the Chapel with its carved door and the study.
Location & Hours
High St
