This book is the first complete study of the circumstances which led to the building of Castle Howard, one of the greatest and best-known English country houses. It describes how and why Charles Howard, third earl of Carlisle, decided to build it; how the architect Sir John Vanbrugh received his first commission; how the building was paid for and where the money came from; how the gardens and park were laid out; and the decision to build the first classical mausoleum in England, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. The Building of Castle Howard is the historical detective story of a house which Sir John Vanbrugh was determined should be 'the top seat and garden of England'.