Portal:Cheshire/Selected biography/13
Sir John Vanbrugh (1664 – 26 March 1726) was an English architect and dramatist. Born in London, he grew up in Chester. As a young man and a committed Whig, he was involved in a plot to overthrow James II, put William III on the throne and protect English parliamentary democracy. His actions led to his imprisonment as a political prisoner in the Bastille.
As an architect, Vanbrugh created what came to be known as English Baroque. He designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. His architectural work was bold and daring, and jarred conservative opinions on the subject.
His two argumentative and outspoken Restoration comedies, The Relapse (1696) and The Provoked Wife (1697) have become enduring stage favourites, although they originally occasioned much controversy. Vanbrugh offended many sections of Restoration and 18th century society, not only by the sexual explicitness of his plays, but also by their messages in defence of women's rights in marriage.