Vanbrugh

Vanbrugh, Sir John (d. 1726), dramatist, was born in the 17th century, the year of his birth being unknown. He was first in the army, but in 1697 appeared as a playwriter, his Relapse being produced at Drury Lane with great success. The Provoked Wife followed soon after, and in 1705 his best play, The Confederacy, was brought out. Previous to this he had become known as an architect; Castle Howard, Blenheim Palace, and Greenwich Hospital were wholly or partially designed by him.