John Sackville, 3rd Duke Of Dorset

John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset, KG (25 March 1745 – 19 July 1799), was a British aristocrat, diplomat, and courtier. He was the son of Lord John Philip Sackville and Lady Frances Leveson-Gower. His paternal grandfather was Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset, and he succeeded his uncle, Charles Sackville, 2nd Duke of Dorset, in 1769.

He was born in 1745 and was educated at Westminster School. In 1768, Dorset was elected unopposed as the Member of Parliament for Kent, serving until he inherited the dukedom in 1769. That year, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Kent, a position he held until 1797. In 1783, he served as Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard, and subsequently as Lord Steward of the Household until his death.

In the realm of sports, Dorset became noted for his involvement in cricket, both as a player and patron. He was associated with the Hambledon Cricket Club and played a key role in the construction of the Vine Cricket Ground in Sevenoaks, Kent. His participation in cricket was documented as competitive and enthusiastic, with reports of his skill and vigor. Dorset's patronage extended to billiards and tennis, and his support of cricket was considerable, with some reports indicating expenses of around £1,000 annually for team maintenance in the 1780s.

In addition to sports, Dorset was known for personal relationships that garnered public attention. His mistress, Giovanna Zanerini, was a Venetian ballerina and stage performer at the King's Theatre, Haymarket. Dorset commissioned artworks of her from prominent painters Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. The couple had a son, John Frederick Sackville (1778–1796). Dorset's other known romantic associations included affairs with Lady Elizabeth Foster and the Countess of Derby.

In 1790, Dorset married Arabella Diana Cope, the daughter of Sir Charles Cope, 2nd Baronet. The marriage produced one son, George John Frederick, born in 1793, and two daughters, Lady Mary and Lady Elizabeth Sackville. Dorset died in 1799 at the age of 54. His widow inherited his estates and remained a significant heiress until her death in 1825. She remarried Charles Whitworth, who became the 1st Earl Whitworth.

Dorset served as the British ambassador to France from 1784. His tenure coincided with significant events of the French Revolution. Following the storming of the Bastille in July 1789, he reported developments to the British government, characterizing France as a "free country" with a limited monarch. He remained in Paris until August 1789, after which he returned to England. During his time in France, he attempted to promote cricket among expatriates and locals; reports from the period indicate engagements with the sport, including a cricket match in Paris.

Dorset's diplomatic role ended in 1790, with his credentials formally terminated in June of that year. His potential involvement in organizing a cricket tour in France during the revolutionary period has been dismissed as inaccurate by subsequent historians.

He was appointed a Knight of the Garter (KG) and was involved in various ceremonial and governmental functions throughout his life.