Meridian
11 updates
29 April 2015

Crews tackle large fire at National Trust house

An 18th century stately home near Guildford in Surrey has been gutted by a huge fire. Clandon Park was home to a large collection of china, antiques and paintings. Many were salvaged by firefighters and are being examined by experts from the National Trust.

Live updates

The National Trust says it is still unsure whether a stately home which caught fire last week will ever be restored.

Most of the rooms of the 18th century Clandon Park building near Guildford have been completely destroyed and the building left an empty shell - however one room has survived. Emma Wilkinson reports.

The full extent of the devastating fire at Clandon Park became clear today - as ITV Meridian was given exclusive access to see the priceless antiques, artwork and furniture saved from the flames.

Fire crews managed to remove 90% of the most precious items from the 18th Century stately home, run by the National Trust, near Guildford in Surrey.

Even so, the Grade One listed building, has been gutted by the fire.

It's believed an electrical fault was to blame, although investigations are still ongoing.

With the latest, Emma Wilkinson.

Fire crews assess the damage at Clandon Park House Credit: ITV Meridian

One of the artefacts saved at Clandon Park House Credit: ITV Meridian

The interior of one of the rooms at Clandon Park House Credit: ITV Meridian

Three hundred years of history has gone up in flames - at the historic stateley home, Clandon Park.

The mansion - built in the 1720s and once home to the Onslow family - is now but a shell of its former self.

Fire crews have spent the day damping down and assessing the damage to the national trust owned property, near Guildford. Clandon Park is a Grade one listed building - with gardens. A popular venue for weddings!

The blaze broke out in the basement at just after 4pm yesterday. At its height, between 80 and 90 fire fighters battled the blaze.

They were also desperately trying to get out precious antiques, artwork - and ornaments - before they burned.

Emma Wilkinson reports.

Crews remain on the scene this morning Credit: ITV Meridian

It is believed the fire started in the basement and spread to the roof Credit: ITV Meridian

Everyone was safely evacuated from the building Credit: ITV Meridian

It is not yet known how long crews will have to remain on site for Credit: ITV Meridian

“This afternoon at 4.09pm we were called to a fire at Clandon Park, West Clandon, Surrey, a stately home owned and managed by the National Trust. On arrival, firefighters were faced with a significant fire throughout the building which is believed to have started in the basement and quickly spread to the roof. Everyone was evacuated from the building and there are no reports of injuries. Firefighters from Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire are now tackling the blaze as well as seeking to save artefacts from the property as part of a multi-agency response including the National Trust and police. In total, sixteen fire engines, including two aerial ladder platforms, a number of water carriers and specialist appliances have been at the scene. The operation is expected to continue throughout the evening, with fire investigation officers on scene looking to establish the cause.”

– Surrey Fire and Rescue spokesman

Crews are still struggling to contain the flames that engulfed the Grade I listed stately home.

A National Trust spokesman said: "We can confirm that a fire has broken out this afternoon at Clandon Park. The building was evacuated and everyone who was in the house is safe. Surrey Fire and Rescue Service is working to bring the fire under control and we would like to thank them for their swift response. We are devastated to see this happen and will update you as we know more."

Nearby resident Phoebe Grant said she saw flames "shooting out of the building"

"They've evacuated the whole area, they won't let anyone near Clandon Park," the 18-year-old said.

"There's still smoke and flames coming from the roof. It looks like part of the roof has caved in."

Another local resident, John Covey, told Get Surrey that fire crews are struggling to control the blaze. The trouble is a lack of water," he added. They can't get enough pressure up there. They had it under control but then the water went down and the flames went up again. It's a disaster."