Sherborne Almshouse

Dame Margaret Gough (née Derby) (d.1441): co-founder of Sherborne Almshouse. 

Dame Margaret Gough, also spelt Gogh and Goffe, was the daughter of Sir Stephen Derby and his wife Avice Gulden (c.1348-1420). Sir Stephen was member of Parliament for Dorset 1379-1386, and also served as Receiver of the Clare estates in Wales and the marches 1360-c.1368, Steward of the estates of Lionel, duke of Clarence, 1365-1368, … Read more

Dorothy Eastmont (c.1612-1686): founder of a charity providing underwear for old women

On the 12 July 1637 Dorothy Parsons (c.1612-1686) was married in Wells, Somerset, to John Eastmont (d.1668), a rich clothier. After their marriage Dorothy and John lived at Greenhill House (now The Green boarding house) in Sherborne, which had been built in the 17th century by the Eastmonts and is now regarded as the best … Read more