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Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Vanbrugh 300 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to develop a nationwide project that aims to broaden the awareness of Vanbrugh through special displays, free education programmes and lectures, throughout his tercentenary year in 2026.
Saturday 18th April, 2:30pm
Egerton Millenium Hall, KENT, TN27 9DS
Sir John Vanbrugh (who died in 1726) was one of Britain’s greatest architects and the designer of some of the most important English country houses, Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace being the most well-known. Sometimes it seems miraculous that he accomplished so much, given the varied activities of his younger years, little training, and a relatively short period as an architect. He was an extraordinary character.
Although he was commissioned to design houses not gardens, he embellished many of his great houses with garden buildings, particularly at Castle Howard, Claremont and Stowe. This lecture will discuss these buildings and his approach to their design.
Charles Saumarez Smith, writer, curator and art historian, will be leading the lecture. His new book on John Vanbrugh has just been published to wide acclaim, with copies on sale at this event.
