The tours and talks, which form part of the national Vanbrugh 300 initiative, will offer visitors the chance to explore one of the architect’s most significant country house commissions: with his other famous works including Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard.
On the 7th, 8th and 9th July, visitors can join daily Vanbrugh-focused tours at either 2.30pm or 3.45pm, led by Castle Curator Andrew Bamford. Designed to appeal to anyone interested in architecture, history and the Georgian period, each 30-minute experience will give a rare insight into Vanbrugh’s vision for Kimbolton Castle and the architectural transformation that helped shape the building seen today. Guests will also have the opportunity to view an exhibition exploring Vanbrugh’s work at Kimbolton, led by Julie Brown, Kimbolton School alumna and art historian.
The Vanbrugh 300 programme at Kimbolton Castle, which is home to Kimbolton School, also includes two more in-depth free public talks in July, highlighting the remarkable story behind Vanbrugh’s work at the Castle.
On 2nd July, distinguished historian and heritage leader, Dr Simon Thurley CBE, will present a lecture examining his lifelong fascination with Sir John Vanbrugh. A former pupil of Kimbolton School (which has occupied the Castle since 1950), Dr Thurley currently serves as Chair of the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament. From 2002 to 2015, he was Chief Executive of English Heritage, overseeing the National Heritage Collection of more than 400 historic sites. Dr Thurley will recount the story of the Castle’s “Great Rebuilding”, when Vanbrugh and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor were commissioned by Charles Edward Montagu, 4th Earl of Manchester, to redesign the building’s south front. What began as a single commission soon expanded as Vanbrugh persuaded the Earl to transform all four sides of the building in a unified architectural style. The talk will explore Vanbrugh’s ambitious plans for the Castle, including the creation of the grand Saloon, the State Bedchamber and adjoining Boudoir, the Green Drawing Room, and significant alterations to the Chapel and Main Staircase.
On 13th July, Castle Curator Andrew Bamford will deliver a second talk: “Vanbrugh and the 4th Earl of Manchester: Architect and Patron”. This session will explore the creative partnership between architect and client and reveal how their collaboration shaped one of the finest examples of early eighteenth-century country house architecture.
Commenting, Andrew said: “Vanbrugh’s work transformed Kimbolton Castle and left an architectural legacy that continues to fascinate visitors three centuries later. Through these tours, talks and the exhibition, we are delighted to share the story of one of Britain’s most imaginative architects and the extraordinary vision that reshaped Kimbolton Castle. We can’t wait to welcome everyone in July.”
The events form part of Vanbrugh 300, a nationwide programme commemorating the life and legacy of Sir John Vanbrugh, architect, playwright and designer of some of Britain’s most celebrated buildings. The nationwide series of VANBRUGH300 lectures, held across the great houses designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, has been generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with The Georgian Group.
To book free tickets for any of the Vanbrugh 300 events at Kimbolton Castle, please visit: https://www.ticketsource.com/kimboltoncastle
