Stately home gutted by fire

Parnham House in Dorset engulfed by flames. Credit: @DWFRSCraigBaker

Crews have been battling a huge fire in Beaminster in Dorset since the early hours of the morning.

Pictures taken by the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue team show an historic mansion engulfed in flames.

Police and firefighters were alerted to Parnham House in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 15 April.

Picture taken by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's Craig Baker. Credit: @DWFRSCraigBaker

The Grade I listed building is understood to have been a school ofwoodworking for the world renowned furniture maker John Makepeace.

The house is now privately owned and was occupied following renovations in 2009.

It dates back to the 16th century and is considered to be one of Dorset's oldest Elizabethan stately homes.

The aftermath of the blaze. Credit: @DWFRSCraigBaker
The stately home back in 1996. Credit: ITV West Country
Picture taken by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue's Craig Baker. Credit: @DWFRSCraigBaker

The gardens and house are usually open to the public during the Spring and Summer months.

This garden it's surrounding land is registered under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special historic interest.

The grounds in 1996. Credit: ITV West Country
Fire crews putting out flames at the property this morning. Credit: @DWFRSCraigBaker

Dorset Police say they are treating the fire as suspicious and an investigation is now underway.