Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Clandon Park House fire: 18th Century National Trust building engulfed with smoke as blaze breaks out in basement

The much-loved building was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s

Roisin O'Connor
Thursday 30 April 2015 06:00 EDT
Comments
Clandon House was built for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and passed down through generations of the family before being left to the National Trust in 1956
Clandon House was built for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and passed down through generations of the family before being left to the National Trust in 1956 (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A huge fire has broken out at an 18th Century stately home in Surrey.

Believed to have started in the basement after 4pm before spreading to the roof, the blaze at Clandon Park House is currently being tackled by firefighters.

The building, which is a popular wedding venue, was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and passed down through generations of the family before being left to the National Trust in 1956.

Clandon Park is a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s
Clandon Park is a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s (PA)

The Trust says the Palladian mansion has a “superb” collection of 18th Century furniture, textiles and porcelain, along with original stucco ceilings and marble fireplaces.

It reported that everyone who was in the house is safe.

Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. The fire is believed to have started in the basement of before spreading to the roof
Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. The fire is believed to have started in the basement of before spreading to the roof (PA)

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke emerging from the building while the BBC reported others apparently hearing loud bangs from inside.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in