Sir John Vanbrugh (; 24 January 1664 (baptised) – 26 March 1726) was an English architect and dramatist, perhaps best known as the designer of
Blenheim Palace and
Castle Howard. He wrote two argumentative and outspoken
Restoration comedies,
The Relapse (1696) and
The Provoked Wife (1697), which have become enduring stage favourites but originally occasioned much controversy. He was knighted in 1714.