Sackville College was founded by Robert Sackville, the second Earl of Dorset.

Roberts father was the famous Thomas Sackville, Queen Elisabeth's High Treasurer and one of the Judges who sent the Duke of Norfolk to the headman's block for his complicity in the alleged attempt to get Mary Queen of Scots placed on the English Throne.

Thomas Sackville died on February 27th 1608 at the age of 48, having written his will on February 8th of that year. His will contained:

(This extract was copied from "The History of East Grinstead" written by Henry Wallace Hills and published in 1609)

Sackville College is a Grade I listed building, founded as an almshouse in 1609.

It is a beautifully designed and preserved early Jacobean building of Sussex sandstone, completed around 1619. It includes a Chapel with the original lock still in use, a Quadrangle with well, a Hall, Common Room and Warden's Office. Much original furniture is on display.

It is administered by a Warden, one of the more famous having been the Rev. John Mason Neale, author of the well-known Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas".

It continues as a sheltered home for the elderly to this day.

It is open for guided tours during the summer months.