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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.
This sell-out event, presented in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, saw Dame Harriet Walter and Stephen Boxer bring to life the extraordinary correspondence between Sir John Vanbrugh and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, during the building of Blenheim Palace.
Harriet and Stephen illuminated sequences from their letters in what must be one of the most electrifying, witty and brutal epistolary exchanges ever recorded. The war of words between these two formidable characters ultimately ended in a court battle. But not before giving us a remarkable insight into the political and personal debates of this fascinating period in British history.
The afternoon began with a fascinating lecture from Ophelia Field, exploring the importance of Vanbrugh’s membership of the Kit-Cat Club, before moving into the dramatic exchange between Vanbrugh and the Duchess.