Events Archive

Discover the events that took place throughout 2026 in the Vanbrugh300 events archive.

20Nov

Book Launch: John Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture

Wider events

To coincide with the publication of his book, John Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture, Charles Saumarez Smith will give a lunchtime talk on Vanbrugh’s extraordinary life

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26Jan

In Conversation: John Vanbrugh - Rockstar of the English Baroque: Stone, Stage & Statecraft

Wider events

Join Rory Fraser, author of a forthcoming narrative biography on Vanbrugh, and Georgian Group Director Dr Anya Lucas in conversation.

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03Feb

Lecture: Vanbrugh and 'The Relapse'

Wider events

Rory Fraser, architectural historian who will publish a new Vanbrugh biography in 2026, will discuss one of Vanbrugh’s most famous plays, The Relapse. He will demonstrate how this scandalous comedy is a brilliant reflection of both the excitements and the existential questions current in the post-revolutionary England of the 1690s.

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06Feb

Delaval Discoveries: Potted History Talk

Seaton Delaval Hall

Join our expert guides daily for an introduction to the gay Delavals, the most notorious of Georgian partygoers and pranksters and discover the story behind Sir John Vanbrugh's 300 year old masterpiece.

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12Feb

Online TAG Talk: ‘In the Footsteps of Vanbrugh’, by Francis Terry

Wider events

Francis Terry, a leading figure in contemporary British classical architecture, discusses how the great man has influenced his work.

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14Feb

Exhibition: Blueprints of Power

Blenheim Palace

Blueprints of Power shines a light on Sir John Vanbrugh’s brilliant mind, his rivalries and ambitions and take visitors on an immersive visual experience through his early life and theatrics as playwright all the way to his high-stakes partnership with Sarah Churchill, first Duchess of Marlborough.

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24Feb

Lecture: Wren, Vanbrugh, and Hawksmoor: the minds that made the English Baroque

Wider events

St John's College welcomes Professor Anthony Geraghty (University of York) for the inaugural lecture in the memory of Sir Howard Montagu Colvin. Professor Geraghty will discuss 'Wren, Vanbrugh, and Hawksmoor: the minds that made the English Baroque’.

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01Mar

Kimbolton Castle Open Day

Kimbolton Castle

Visit Kimbolton Castle on one of only two open days each year. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the state rooms, including the Queen’s Room, where Katherine of Aragon died. Discover one of Sir John Vanbrugh’s lesser-known architectural gems, with a special exhibition exploring his connection to Charles Montagu, 4th Earl of Manchester.

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04Mar

Exhibition: Vanbrugh: The Drama of Architecture

Wider events

300 years after his death, a major new exhibition exploring one of the UK’s greatest architects - Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) – will open in the spring at Sir John Soane's Museum.

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19Mar

Talk: Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh

Wider events

In this talk, Charles Saumarez Smith explores the architectural relationship between Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor, two leading figures of the English Baroque.

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20Mar

Interview: Charles Saumarez Smith on John Vanbrugh at the Lichfield Festival

Wider events

Charles Saumarez Smith will be in conversation at the Lichfield Festival with their very own Annette Rubery, an academic, theatre historian, editor and author with a special interest in Vanbrugh and his circle.

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25Mar

Projection Artwork: The Cast of Players

Seaton Delaval Hall

A spectacular projection artwork bringing the joy, decadence and drama of Seaton Delaval Hall to life featuring today’s cast of players.

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26Mar

Talk and Tour at Claremont Fan Court School

Wider events

Hosted by the Surrey Gardens Trust at Claremont Fan Court School, this event includes talks on Vanbrugh’s connections to Claremont, a tour of the historic mansion and grounds, and the opportunity to see surviving elements of his landscape design, including the Belvedere.

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26Mar

Church Service: Celebration of the Life of Sir John Vanbrugh

Wider events

A Celebration of the Life of Sir John Vanbrugh at St Stephen Walbrook.

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27Mar

Symposium: Vanbrugh: From Stage to Stone

Wider events

The Georgian Group's 2026 Symposium (in partnership with the Ax:son Johnson Centre for the Study of Classical Architecture) will be ‘Vanbrugh: From Stage to Stone‘.

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28Mar

Seaton Delaval Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Seaton Delaval Hall

Get ready for a weekend bursting with creativity and fun for all ages. Enjoy a lively storytelling performance, roll up your sleeves to craft your very own Vanbrugh‑inspired wearable architecture, and don’t miss a special performance by local community group Northern Butterflies. Bring the whole family and dive into a day full of imagination, laughter, and hands‑on adventure.

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11Apr

Guided Tour: Vanbrugh 300 - Spotlight on Castle Howard’s Visionary Architect

Castle Howard

Step inside the vision of a Baroque master at Castle Howard.

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18Apr

Lecture: Vanbrugh’s Landscape and Garden Buildings

Wider events

Charles Saumarez Smith's lecture will focus on John Vanbrugh's landscape and garden buildings, particularly at Castle Howard, Claremont and Stowe, focusing on these buildings and Vanbrugh's approach to their design.

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18Apr

Talk: Celebrating John Vanbrugh with local Greenwich Societies

Wider events

John Vanburgh lived and worked in Greenwich. Charles Saumarez Smith will present a talk to members of the local Societies.

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24Apr

Soane Late: The Drama of Architecture

Wider events

Join us after dark for this Soane Late as we celebrate the drama of architecture in this unique Museum and the newly opened exhibition.

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25Apr

Blenheim Palace Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Blenheim Palace

Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance, roll up your sleeves to make your own John Vanbrugh‑inspired wearable architecture, or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session.
Whether you come with family, friends, or a community group, there’s something for every curious mind. Dive into a day full of laughter, discovery, and hands‑on adventure.

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29Apr

Panel Talk: Vanbrugh's Hidden Blenheim

Wider events

This panel talk will explore Vanbrugh’s original design of Blenheim Palace and on-site findings from the current £12m conservation project.

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30Apr

Exhibition: Vanbrugh Rockstar of the English Baroque

Grimsthorpe Castle

This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.

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05May

Vanbrugh 300 Tour - BSL Interpreted

Castle Howard

Step inside the vision of a Baroque master at Castle Howard.

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07May

Lecture: Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill and an Expert Panel

Blenheim Palace

One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Blenheim Palace and presented by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill with an expert panel to discuss the life and work of Sir John Vanbrugh.

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14May

Talk: Vanbrugh’s Garden Legacy at Stowe

Stowe House

Richard Wheeler explores Sir John Vanbrugh’s influence on the early development of Stowe’s landscape gardens.

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30May

Castle Howard Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Castle Howard

Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for everyone. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance or build your own castle from our giant Vanbrugh-inspired play shapes.

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09Jun

Lecture: Vanbrugh’s Country Houses

Wider events

Jeremy Musson, author of The Country Houses of Sir John Vanbrugh: From the Archives of Country Life, 2008, explores the nature of Vanbrugh’s great houses, shares his memories of his visits for his 2008 book, and reflects on Vanbrugh’s continuing reputation, and his continuing admiration for the inventive and compelling language of Vanbrugh’s letters on architecture.

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11Jun

Lecture: The ‘most honest hearted, real good men’: Sir John Vanbrugh and the Kit-Cat Club

Stowe House

One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund with Ophelia Field and Rory Fraser exploring Vanbrugh’s lifelong ties to the Kit-Cat Club, revealing its influence on his career, politics and culture – and its lasting imprint on Stowe.

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11Jun

Talk: The Theatre of the Feast - Power and Excess in the Georgian Dining Room

Grimsthorpe Castle

One of a series of lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Grimsthorpe Castle with Dr Amy Boyington.

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13Jun

Installation: Library of the Four Winds

Castle Howard

A luminous new revolving artwork which takes over the Temple of the Four Winds, created by internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin.

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13Jun

Lecture: Responses to Vanbrugh

Castle Howard

One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Castle Howard with Nick Howard, Es Devlin and Francis Terry.

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19Jun

In Conversation : Sir Charles Saumarez Smith CBE and Jeremy Musson

Grimsthorpe Castle

Grimsthorpe will be welcoming Sir Charles Saumarez Smith CBE and Jeremy Musson to Grimsthorpe this summer as part of VANBRUGH 300.

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20Jun

Grimsthorpe Castle Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Grimsthorpe Castle

Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance, roll up your sleeves to make your own John Vanbrugh‑inspired wearable architecture, or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session.

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20Jun

An Evening of Vanbrugh: Production by the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club

Grimsthorpe Castle

Grimsthorpe are delighted to welcome England’s oldest student theatre company, the Cambridge University Amateur Dramatic Club, to celebrate the 300 year anniversary of playwright and architect Sir John Vanbrugh with a medley of his greatest scenes.

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25Jun

Vanbrugh at Chalke History Festival

Wider events

Join a panel of leading experts, Rory Fraser, Ophelia Field, Geoff Heath-Taylor and Charles Saumarez Smith for a special live recording of The Country House Podcast on Vanbrugh.

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29Jun

Exhibition: Vanbrugh Rockstar of the English Baroque

Stowe House

This new exhibition introduces visitors to Sir John Vanbrugh – architect, playwright, soldier, spy. Each participating venue explores Vanbrugh’s life and work, as well as his relationship with his patron and the buildings he created at that site.

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02Jul

Lecture: Courtier, Playwright and Castle, the unlikely making of Kimbolton

Kimbolton Castle

One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Kimbolton Castle, as Simon Thurley discusses Sir John Vanbrugh

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07Jul

Castle tours: Vanbrugh revealed at Kimbolton Castle

Kimbolton Castle

A curator‑led experience offering rare insight into one of Britain’s most imaginative architects, set within the historic interiors of Kimbolton Castle 7 - 9 July.

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08Jul

Conference: Vanbrugh in North East England

Wider events

Durham University will host a conference marking the tercentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh’s death, exploring his architecture and lasting influence in North East England.

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13Jul

Talk: Vanbrugh and 4th Earl of Manchester; Architect and Patron

Kimbolton Castle

As part of the Huntingdonshire History Festival and linking into Vanbrugh300, Castle Curator Andrew Bamford explores Sir John Vanbrugh’s creative relationship with Charles Montagu, uncovering how their partnership shaped Kimbolton Castle in a fascinating talk.

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01Aug

Stowe House Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Stowe House

Get ready for a weekend packed with creativity, imagination, and activities for all. Settle in for a lively storytelling performance or explore the hidden stories in his buildings through movement and play in a fun, family‑friendly drama session. Whether you come with family, friends, or a community group, there’s something for every curious mind. Dive into a day full of laughter, discovery, and hands‑on adventure.

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17Sep

Talk: Vanbrugh’s Alterations and Additions to Stowe House

Stowe House

Francis Terry re-examines Sir John Vanbrugh’s contribution to Stowe House through a new series of reconstruction drawings.

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19Sep

Claremont Landscape Garden Heritage Open Day

Wider events

Discover this grade I listed garden created by the great landscape designers of the 18th century, including Sir John Vanbrugh, which charts the evolution of the English Landscape Garden.

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19Sep

Claremont Mansion Heritage Open Day

Wider events

Explore the 18th-century Palladian mansion and its 100-acre grounds in Elmbridge, a former royal residence and Grade I listed building. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour of the mansion, take a tree walk or explore the Vanbrugh remains!

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19Sep

Vanbrugh300 at 6 Fitzroy Square

Wider events

Join us at The Georgian Group's headquarters for a special Vanbrugh300 display and talks by leading Vanbrugh historian Rory Fraser as part of the London Open House Festival.

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20Sep

Vanbrugh300 Celebration at the National Portrait Gallery

Wider events

Join actors Harriet Walter and Stephen Boxer, and historian Ophelia Field, to celebrate the tercentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726) in a special event in partnership with The Georgian Group.

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01Oct

Talk: Sandy Nairne, Sir Charles Saumarez Smith and Mark Newman

Seaton Delaval Hall

Introduced by Sandy Nairne, Vanbrugh scholar Sir Charles Saumarez Smith discusses Vanbrugh’s career and links to Seaton Delaval Hall. Archaeologist Mark Newman shares how investigations have provided insight into Vanbrugh’s involvement in the hall.

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04Oct

Kimbolton Castle Vanbrugh300 Weekend

Kimbolton Castle

Visit Kimbolton Castle on one of only two open days each year. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the state rooms, including the Queen’s Room, where Katherine of Aragon died. Discover one of Sir John Vanbrugh’s lesser-known architectural gems, with a special exhibition exploring his connection to Charles Montagu, 4th Earl of Manchester.

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08Oct

Lecture: Vanbrugh and the Queen’s Theatre in the Haymarket

Seaton Delaval Hall

One of a series of free lectures funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund taking place at Seaton Delaval Hall, as Annette Rubery and Nick Helm explore John Vanbrugh and the Queen’s Theatre in the Haymarket.

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