Sackville College

TQ 3938 2/22

HIGH STREET Sackville College

(Formerly listed as Sackville Cottage)

28.1.48

I Almshouses founded in 1617 by the 2nd Earl of Dorset. Building commenced as a private dwelling in 1609. Completed as almshouses in 1619. Restored by Butterfield in C19. A four square range of Sussex and Ardingly sandstone buildings with quadrangle upon high ground prominently visible from Lewes Road and tile west end of High Street. Main frontage is to the south. Stone, 2 storey, 11 windows. 3 gables. Small mullioned windows, band, central doorway. 2 massive brick chimney between gables, horsham slabs. Sun Dial on centre gable. Arched doorway with pilasters and architrave leads to spacious quadrangle. Each side has a mid accent with gable. To right and east the chapel with a 4 light window with transom and arched lights. Opposite to west refectory and common room same motif repeated to maintain symmetry. The Dining Hall in northern range called Dorset Lodgings and constituting the original house. Dorset coat of arms in panel over entrance. To left and right 2 full height mullioned windows with transoms. Hall has minstrels gallery, hammerbeam roof (restored) and fireplace with inscription "I pray God bless my Lord of Dorset and my Ladies and all their Prostentie. Anno d 1619" (probably originally in chapel). Also much contemporary furniture and chairs stamps with initial R S Chapel restored 1846-1866 by Butterfield under direction Rev Dr Neale (Tractarran, hymologist then warden of the college, in early C14 style. Important for role played in renaissance of Anglo Catholicism. In quadrangle two lead cisterns handsomely ornamted with Sackville and other emblems dated 1700 and 1750. C19 tiled turret with lantern and louvers over Dorset Dwellings.

Listing NGR: TQ3975238037