John Vanbrugh
/ˌdʒɒn ˈvænbrə/
/ˌdʒɑːn ˈvænbrə/
- (1664-1726) an English architect and writer of plays. His plays, which are late Restoration comedies, include The Relapse (1696) and The Provok'd Wife (1697). In his 30s he began a second career as an architect, working with Nicholas Hawksmoor. Together they designed several grand houses and other buildings, including Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace. He was made a knight in 1714.