Short course
A Celebration of the Architecture of John Vanbrug
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
30/09/2026 - 28/10/2026
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
2026 marks 300 years since the death of John Vanbrugh. His extraordinary career as soldier, playwright, and sometime heraldry expert was punctuated by a turn to architecture. He played a key part in the development of the English Baroque style. His design for the immense and magnificent Castle Howard was a truly remarkable first commissioned work. It is notable that he had the assistance of Nicholas Hawksmoor, both for this and for his ensuing project of national importance at Blenheim Palace. We will examine Vanbrugh's extraordinary ascent and his key part in developing the Baroque style in England.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Programme details
Course starts Wednesday 30 September 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: Vanbrugh’s early career – Goose-Pie House
Week 2: Castle Howard – stunning first commission
Week 3: Blenheim Palace – challenging national monument
Week 4: King’s Weston and Seaton Delavel
Week 5: Grimsthorpe Castle, Stowe House and Vanbrugh Castle in Greenwich
Teaching methods
Presentations with a wealth of visual images
Classroom discussions based on identified questions
Illustrated notes provided for each week
Learning outcomes
To be able to:
- appreciate the range of projects carried out by Vanbrugh
- recognise the English Baroque architectural style and its contrast with the Baroque of Italy
- consider the apparent absence of early experience in architecture prior to the commission for Castle Howard
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Course aims
Course aim:
- To enable course members to assess the range of projects designed by Vanbrugh
Course objectives:
- To critically explore his development of the “English Baroque” architectural style
- To consider why his English clients may have selected his work for their projects
Location: Ewert House Ewert Place, Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DD
Programme details
Course starts Wednesday 30 September 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: Vanbrugh’s early career – Goose-Pie House
Week 2: Castle Howard – stunning first commission
Week 3: Blenheim Palace – challenging national monument
Week 4: King’s Weston and Seaton Delavel
Week 5: Grimsthorpe Castle, Stowe House and Vanbrugh Castle in Greenwich
Teaching methods
Presentations with a wealth of visual images
Classroom discussions based on identified questions
Illustrated notes provided for each week
Learning outcomes
To be able to:
- appreciate the range of projects carried out by Vanbrugh
- recognise the English Baroque architectural style and its contrast with the Baroque of Italy
- consider the apparent absence of early experience in architecture prior to the commission for Castle Howard
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Programme details
Course starts Wednesday 30 September 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: Vanbrugh’s early career – Goose-Pie House
Week 2: Castle Howard – stunning first commission
Week 3: Blenheim Palace – challenging national monument
Week 4: King’s Weston and Seaton Delavel
Week 5: Grimsthorpe Castle, Stowe House and Vanbrugh Castle in Greenwich
Teaching methods
Presentations with a wealth of visual images
Classroom discussions based on identified questions
Illustrated notes provided for each week
Learning outcomes
To be able to:
- appreciate the range of projects carried out by Vanbrugh
- recognise the English Baroque architectural style and its contrast with the Baroque of Italy
- consider the apparent absence of early experience in architecture prior to the commission for Castle Howard
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Mr Keith Hasted
Keith’s initial research focus was Italian Renaissance palace architecture, and he has since developed a special interest in the architecture of cathedrals, not only in England but also in mainland Europe. He has taught courses over a number of years in the Oxford Lifelong Learning weekly programme and Summer School and for the WEA.
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page. Alternatively, please complete an enrolment form.