Family and Education

b. 25 Mar. 1745, o.s. of Lord John Philip Sackville, (2nd s. of Lionel, 1st Duke of Dorset), by Frances Leveson Gower, da. of John, 1st Earl Gower.  educ. Westminster c.1754.  m. 4 Jan. 1790, Arabella Diana, da. and coh. of Sir Charles Cope, and Bt., 1s. 2nd Bt., 2da.  suc. uncle as 3rd Duke of Dorset 6 Jan. 1769.

Offices Held

Ld. lt. Kent 1769-97; capt. yeomen of guard 1782-3; ambassador to Paris 1783-9; ld. steward of the Household 1789- d.

Biography

Sackville began preparing to stand for Kent early in 1767; through his uncle the Duke of Bedford he obtained the active support of Newcastle and his friends in the county, and in 1768 was returned unopposed. There is no record of his having spoken or voted in the House of Commons. Nor was he an outstanding figure in the House of Lords. He was known rather for his gallantry, as the lover among others of Nancy Parsons. Wraxall, with whom he was friendly, writes:1

His person ... was highly agreeable, and formed with great symmetry, his features pleasing ... his manners soft, quiet, ingratiating, and formed for a court, destitute of all affectation, but not deficient in dignity. He displayed indeed, neither shining parts nor superior abilities.

After his death on 19 July 1799 the Gentleman’s Magazine wrote in his obituary (p. 630): ‘He was not distinguished for mental vigour or literary attainment; but his temper was moderate, and his manners agreeable.’

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Mary M. Drummond

Notes

• 1. Mems. iii. 203.