
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
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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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‘.

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.

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