‘Sir John Vanbrugh’, the English Baroque architect behind Blenheim Palace, was recently spotted navigating the streets of Woodstock – crossing at traffic lights, carrying shopping, and pausing for a coffee.

The surprise appearance marked the extension of Blenheim Palace’s Blueprints of Power exhibition, which explores the life and legacy of Sir John Vanbrugh, the ‘rockstar of the English Baroque.’

The exhibition has now been extended until May 31, 2026.

A spokesman said: “Visitors will now have until May 31, 2026, to explore the interactive exhibition, which brings Vanbrugh’s architectural brilliance to life.”

The display traces Mr Vanbrugh’s journey from playwright to architect and delves into his partnership with Sarah Churchill, the first Duchess of Marlborough.

Each room in Britain’s Greatest Palace pays homage to Sir John Vanbrugh and his legacy as an architect, playwright, soldier, spy, courtier and diplomat.

Sir John Vanbrugh’s walkabout marks the extension of the current Blueprints of Power exhibition, celebrating the extraordinary life of the architect behind the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Entry to the Blueprints of Power exhibition is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.

More information on the exhibition and palace, and to book tickets, is available on the Blenheim Palace website.

Cherwell District Council has expanded its monthly tenancy relations sessions to help tenants with housing issues.

The sessions are part of the council’s efforts to embed the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act in the private rental market.

Kristian Aspinall, Executive Director Neighbourhood Services, said: “North Oxfordshire renters deserve safe, comfortable and well-managed homes.

“Our team is doing more to reach out to anyone who has concerns about their landlord, tenancy agreement or the standard of their accommodation.

“With the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force from 1 May, we are being proactive in making sure that landlords and renters understand, and benefit from, these welcome changes to renting.”

The sessions will be available at locations including Britannia Road Children’s Centre and Castle Quay in Banbury, Bicester Library, and WISH in Kidlington.

The next drop-in will take place on Friday, April 17 at Bicester Library.

Under the new act, private renters are set to gain stronger protections through the end of ‘no-fault’ evictions and the introduction of fairer rent rules.

The drop-in sessions are open to both tenants and landlords seeking advice.

Mr Aspinall said: “We have a friendly and very knowledgeable housing team, and we are delighted to be able to bring this drop-in service to more locations around the district.”

A new premises licence application was submitted to Oxford City Council for the shop at 15-16 Broad Street in the heart of the city.

The site is currently the headquarters for Footprints Tours, a popular walking tour group which operates the shop as a ‘tourist information’ centre in the city.

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The named business of the applicant for the premises licence is Footprints Tours itself, which is based in Henley.

It proposes opening a business called Roll and Bowl cafe in the Broad Street shop.

The premises licence indicates opening hours of 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am until 6pm on Sundays.

It requests a licence for the supply of alcohol between 10am and 7pm every day of the week.

The licence application is open for consultation on the Oxford City Council website until May 13.