Sir John Vanbrugh’s (1664-1726) life and achievements will be celebrated across the UK in 2026, his tercentenary year, following a six-figure grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to The Georgian Group.

Sometimes referred to as ‘The Rockstar of the English Baroque’, Vanbrugh was also one of the great Restoration dramatists. His architectural work was as bold and daring as his early political activism and risqué plays. Among many other achievements – including as a herald and political activist – Vanbrugh is celebrated for his capacity to exploit the emotional impact of architecture, making exciting and dramatic use of light and shadow and recessions and projections.

Presented by the Georgian Group – the conservation organisation founded in 1937 to protect and promote Georgian heritage – Vanbrugh300 will include a variety of events, exhibitions and activities at six of the architect’s most significant creations: Castle Howard, Blenheim Palace, Seaton Delaval Hall, Grimsthorpe Castle, Kimbolton Castle and Stowe House.