Blaze At Clandon Park – Firefighting Continuing into the Evening

Published on: 29 Apr, 2015
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2015

Clandon House still ablaze around 7pm this evening two hours after the fire is believed to have started. (Click image to enlarge)

National Trust property Clandon Park is ablaze this evening (April 29) with 60 firefighters and 12 fire engines on the scene fighting the fire.

The pall of smoke is visible for miles.

Smoke and flames could be seen billowing from the historic building at 7pm while firefighters hosed the roof from hydraulic platforms.

An ambulance was observed leaving the main entrance but there are no reports of casualties.

There will be nothing but a shell in the morning… Witness

David Seymour contacted the Dragon to say: “I arrived at Clandon house at 7pm. Total shock at the extent of the fire. Regret there will nothing but a shell in the morning.

“Some items have been recovered,by helpers from the garden centre, police and fire crews.

“From the front of the house you could see through to the rear, no ceilings left.”

Jim Allen local resident from Burpham said: “The roof has gone and the first floor. It is just terribly, terribly sad.”

An onlooker, who said he worked at the house, reported that Lady Onslow was devastated and was watching the attempts to put the fire out.

Bernard Parke of Scillonian Road, by Onslow Village, reported that the rising smoke could be seen from his house two miles away.

Plume of smoke visible from Onslow Village on the western side of Guildford, at least two miles away. Photo Bernard Parke.

Members of the public were parking on nearby verges of the A246 to watch firefighters struggle to control the blaze.

Police at the main gate were controlling entry and facilitating the passage of emergency vehicles.

Early reports state the fire started in an electricity box in the basement of the house.

The National Trust website states: “Clandon Park is one of the country’s most complete examples of a Palladian mansion. Built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s, the estate has been passed down through generations of this famous family.

“Magnificent interiors are faithful to the period, featuring original stucco ceilings and marble fireplaces, the most impressive of which are in the awe-inspiring Marble Hall.

“Left to us [the National Trust] in 1956, the house was refurbished under the guidance of interior design legend John Fowler. Today the house contains a superb collection of 18th-century furniture, porcelain and textiles, much of which was acquired by the remarkable connoisseur Hannah Gubbay.”

The house is also the home to the Surrey Infantry Museum.

This is terrible news, a real shock. Matthew Alexander

Matthew Alexander, Hon Remembrancer and former curator at Guildford Museum, said this evening when told of the fire by The Guildford Dragon NEWS: “This is terrible news, a real shock.

“Clandon is one of the most important houses in the area and has played such an important part in Guildford’s history.

“It would be a terrible blow if the house and its contents were lost to us.

“Guildford borough is a splendid modern casket, containing many historic jewels. Clandon House is one of the finest.”

The following photographs were taken by Dani Maimone.

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