More than 2,000 state primary school children from across the UK are set to explore some of Britain’s most spectacular historic houses this year, including Kimbolton Castle, as part of VANBRUGH300 – a nationwide celebration marking 300 years since the death of architect and playwright, Sir John Vanbrugh.
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and presented by The Georgian Group, the year-long programme offers funded educational visits, hands-on design workshops and curriculum-linked classroom resources for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 pupils.
Participating sites represent some of the most significant examples of English Baroque architecture, including Kimbolton Castle, Seaton Delaval Hall, Castle Howard, Grimsthorpe Castle, Blenheim Palace and Stowe House.
Through specially designed tours and creative architecture workshops, pupils will investigate structure, form and influence in design, while discovering how Vanbrugh combined drama and architecture to create some of Britain’s most iconic buildings. Each school receives resource packs to support observation and creative exploration during their visit, alongside follow-up classroom activities.
Although funded on-site visits have now been fully booked, comprehensive digital resource packs – including lesson plans and PowerPoint presentations linked directly to the national curriculum – are freely available to all UK primary schools, regardless of location. The materials explore architectural influence, creative processes, structural design and Vanbrugh’s wider cultural impact as both an architect and playwright.
Anya Lucas, Director of the Georgian Group, which is presenting VANBRUGH300, said:
“VANBRUGH300 is about opening doors to a better understanding of architecture and designed landscapes – both literally and creatively. It’s for children to experience the sheer scale and drama of Vanbrugh’s architecture firsthand through exploration of these beautiful heritage sites and through learning online about the extraordinary life of Sir John Vanbrugh. Imagination, structure and bold thinking are brought together with the realisation that architecture is not just about buildings, but about ideas, creativity and confidence.”
In addition to the schools’ programme, VANBRUGH300 will feature public celebration weekends across participating houses, with storytelling performances, family workshops, exhibitions, installations, talks and lectures taking place throughout the year. Activities will explore Vanbrugh’s theatrical world as well as his architectural legacy, inviting audiences of all ages to engage with the drama and creativity of the English Baroque.
For more information, or to download the FREE Vanbrugh300 resource packs please find out more below:
