Blenheim Lecture 2026: On John Vanbrugh

This year, the 300th anniversary of his death, is a fitting opportunity for a Blenheim Lecture on Sir John Vanbrugh, architect and dramatist.  His best known buildings are, of course, Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.  We are delighted that the well-known architectural historian – architectural editor of Country Life – Dr John Goodall FSA, has agreed to be our speaker: we can look forward to an authoritative and interesting account of this remarkable figure.

This year’s lecture will take place at an earlier time than usual with the aim that the journey home afterwards might be easier: we shall gather from 3:15 pm for the lecture at 3:45.  We shall adjourn after the lecture for drinks in The Orangery and then have our usual buffet.  The event will close by 6:15.

We are grateful to be using the Palace as the guests of the  Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation.

Image: Sir John Vanbrugh (attrib. to  Thomas Murray)
Copyright: National Portrait Gallery, London