‘Big surprise’ as Sherborne almshouse artwork valued at £3.5m

It said the money would create six new accommodation units for people in need, helping to renew the charity’s original purpose.

In 2023, it closed its 19 accommodation units, after a financial review found they were unsustainable.

Since then, only one unit has been available to rent, along with an adjacent cottage.

Chairman Richard Hunt said: “For nearly 600 years, our mission has been to provide accommodation for local people in need.

“Now, with the sale of this artwork, we have an important opportunity to protect the work that the charity can do for generations to come.”