The Country House: 'Love's like virtue, its own reward''

By John Vanbrugh

Sir John Vanbrugh was born in London and baptised on 24th January 1664, the 4th of 19 children.

Vanbrugh was very political and soon came afoul of its machinations. He spent some time working undercover to help depose James II and bring about the Glorious Revolution of 1689 and the assumption of the throne by William of Orange It was on his return from bringing William messages at The Hague, that he was arrested at Calais on a charge of espionage in September 1688. Vanbrugh remained in prison in France for four and a half years.

After his release his career was to move in an entirely unexpected direction, and it would not be the last time.

London’s theatre at this time was riven by a split among its only legitimate company: the United Company. Colley Cibber, who remained with the management, had written and performed in January 1696 ‘Love’s Last Shift’. To Vanburgh’s mind it demanded a sequel and who better to come up with that then himself.

His play, ‘The Relapse, Or, Virtue in Danger’, was offered to the United Company six weeks later. The play was a tremendous success that saved the company. Vanbrugh's second comedy, ‘The Provok’d Wife’, soon followed, this time performed by the rebel actors' company.

However, in the following few years he was to reinvent himself as an architect. Despite no formal training his inexperience was balanced by his unerring eye for perspective and detail and his close working relationship with Nicholas Hawksmoor, a former clerk of Sir Christopher Wren.

He is perhaps best known for his majestic masterpieces: Castle Howard (commissioned in 1699) and Blenheim Palace (commissioned in 1704).

Sir John Vanbrugh died suddenly from what was stated as ‘an asthma’ on 26th March 1726. He was buried in the church of St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stage Door
• Release date: Feb 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9781839673023

Book preview

The Country House by John Vanburgh

Sir John Vanbrugh was born in London and baptised on 24th January 1664, the 4th of 19 children.

Vanbrugh was very political and soon came afoul of its machinations.  He spent some time working undercover to help depose James II and bring about the Glorious Revolution of 1689 and the assumption of the throne by William of Orange  It was on his return from bringing William messages at The Hague, that he was arrested at Calais on a charge of espionage in September 1688. Vanbrugh remained in prison in France for four and a half years.

After his release his career was to move in an entirely unexpected direction, and it would not be the last time.

London’s theatre at this time was riven by a split among its only legitimate company: the United Company.  Colley Cibber, who remained with the management, had written and performed in January 1696 ‘Love’s Last Shift’. To Vanburgh’s mind it demanded a sequel and who better to come up with that then himself.

His play, ‘The Relapse, Or, Virtue in Danger’, was offered to the United Company six weeks later.  The play was a tremendous success that saved the company. Vanbrugh's second comedy, ‘The Provok’d Wife’, soon followed, this time performed by the rebel actors' company.

However, in the following few years he was to reinvent himself as an architect. Despite no formal training his inexperience was balanced by his unerring eye for perspective and detail and his close working relationship with Nicholas Hawksmoor, a former clerk of Sir Christopher Wren.

He is perhaps best known for his majestic masterpieces: Castle Howard (commissioned in 1699) and Blenheim Palace (commissioned in 1704).

Sir John Vanbrugh died suddenly from what was stated as ‘an asthma’ on 26th March 1726. He was buried in the church of St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London.

Index of Contents

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

THE SCENE

THE COUNTRY HOUSE

ACT I

Scene I

Scene

Scene

Scene

ACT II

Scene I

Scene II

Scene III

Scene IV

Scene V

Scene VI

Scene VII

Scene VIII

John Vanbrugh – A Short Biography

John Vanbrugh – A Concise Bibliography

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

MEN

Mr Barnard

Mr Griffard, Brother to Mr Barnard

Erastus, in love with Mariamne

Dorant, Son to Mr Barnard

Monsieur le Marquis

Baron de Messy

Janno, Cousin to Mr Barnard

Colin, Servant to Mr Barnard

Charly, a little Boy

Servant to Erastus

Three Gentlemen, friends to Dorant

A cook, other servants, &c.

WOMEN

Mrs Barnard

Mariamne, her daughter

Mawkin, sister to Janno

Lisetta, servant to Mariamne

The SCENE: Is laid in Normandy in France.

THE COUNTRY HOUSE

ACT I

SCENE I

Enter ERASTUS and his SERVANT, with LISETTA, Mariamne's maid.

LISETTA

Once more I tell ye, Sir, if you have any consideration in the world for