Year-long programme of activities will mark Sir John Vanbrugh’s tercentenary
Kimbolton Castle, located in the grounds of Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire, is one of six historic properties that will be showcased in Vanbrugh 300 in 2026 – a nationwide celebration marking the tercentenary of Sir John Vanbrugh, the celebrated architect behind some of Britain’s most iconic buildings.
Vanbrugh 300 will feature activities, exhibitions, events and lectures throughout the year at six of Vanbrugh’s most significant masterpieces, including: Kimbolton Castle; Castle Howard in Yorkshire; Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire; Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland; Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire; and Stowe House in Buckinghamshire.
As part of the anniversary, more than 100 state primary school classes (KS1 and KS2) from across the UK are being invited to take part in a free national schools programme learning about Vanbrugh’s work. Primary school teachers can now book a free school visit to their nearest Vanbrugh-designed heritage site – including Kimbolton Castle – and access teacher CPD and curriculum-linked classroom resources that give pupils the chance to explore history, heritage, and architecture.
Will Chuter, Headteacher at Kimbolton School, said: “It’s an honour for Kimbolton Castle to be part of the national Vanbrugh 300 celebrations. Vanbrugh’s vision shaped some of Britain’s greatest architectural treasures and we are proud to see Kimbolton recognised among them. This initiative will not only showcase the Castle’s significance, but will also welcome schools and communities from across the region to engage with our shared heritage.”
Organised by The Georgian Group, the conservation charity founded in 1937 to protect and promote Georgian heritage, Vanbrugh 300 aims to broaden public awareness of Vanbrugh’s extraordinary legacy through exhibitions, displays, free educational programmes and public events.
Dr Anya Lucas, Director of the Georgian Group, said: “The tercentenary of Vanbrugh’s death represents an important opportunity to celebrate and bring to the fore the story of one of our period’s great architects, a bold and theatrical figure who is sure to have broad appeal and who should be better known. Vanbrugh 300 will bring the life, stories, and work of Vanbrugh together for a wide range of audiences.”
She added: “One of our key aims is to work with young and local audiences in each area. Importantly, transport to the Houses for young people will be largely funded by the project as this can be a barrier for school visits.”
Categories: Kimbolton School School News
