Dorset, John Frederick Sackville, Duke of, 1745-1799

John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset, KG (25 March 1745 – 19 July 1799) was a British courtier and diplomat. He was the only son of Lord John Philip Sackville, second son of Lionel Sackville, 1st Duke of Dorset. His mother was the former Lady Frances Leveson-Gower. He succeeded to the dukedom in 1769 on the death of his uncle, Charles Sackville, 2nd Duke of Dorset. He was the British Ambassador to France from 1784, and returned to England in August 1789 following the escalation of the French Revolution. Dorset is remembered for his love of cricket. He was both a good player and an important patron, but his interest was sharpened by gambling, cricket being a major attraction for gamblers throughout the 18th century. His other sporting interests included billiards and tennis. He also acquired a reputation as a womaniser.