Gutted: Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey

Blaze from above: This aerial photograph shows the dramatic extent of the fire engulfing Clandon House today

On the scene: Firefighters said crews in breathing apparatus were tackling the fire. Three aerial ladders and three water carriers are also there

Destruction: The National Trust said it was ‘devastated to see this happen’ and thanked firefighters for their ‘swift response’

Huge blaze: The scene at the National Trust property Clandon House in Guildford where a fire is engulfing the historic building

Wide view: The fire brigade attempt to put out a large blaze at Clandon Park House, which started in the basement of the 18th century house

At night: The fire still burns in the evening as crews spray water on Clandon House near Guildford tonight

Removal: The scene at the National Trust property Clandon House near Guildford where a fire is engulfing the historic building

Taken outside: The National Trust tweeted that it was ‘saddened’ by the fire that broke out at Clandon Park

The service added that crews in breathing apparatus were tackling the fire. Three aerial ladders and three water carriers have also been deployed.

Clandon House was built in the 1720s and contains a large collection of 18th century furniture, porcelain and textiles.

It has been managed by the National Trust since 1856 and is a popular venue for weddings.

One woman tweeted: ‘Poor Clandon Park, hope it’s not too badly damaged. Had the best wedding there last year. It’s the most beautiful venue.’

A National Trust spokesman said: ‘We can confirm that a fire has broken out this afternoon at Clandon Park.

Tables and chairs: The estate is one of Surrey’s most popular wedding venues, as well as being used for corporate events and private parties

History: After being passed down through Lord Onslow’s family for generations, the house was left to the National Trust in 1956

Removed to safety: The house in Surrey contains a collection of 18th century furniture, porcelain and textiles

Smoke: Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s, after a blaze broke out at the National Trust property

Watching on: Witnesses reported the ‘smell of burning’ while others reportedly heard loud bangs coming from inside the property

‘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 told Trinity Mirror.

As it was: The Grade I listed stately home, pictured before the fire, was evacuated and everyone who was inside is said to be safe

Interior: Clandon House was built in the 1720s and contains a large collection of 18th-century furniture, porcelain and textiles

Bedroom: The property has been managed by the National Trust since 1856 and is a popular venue for weddings

Impressive: Clandon Park was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and includes a grand marble hall

Dining: A porcelain collection and unique Maori meeting house are among the features inside the property near Guildford

‘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.’

CLANDON PARK: LEFT TO THE NATIONAL TRUST IN 1956 AND NOW ONE OF SURREY’S TOP WEDDING VENUES

Clandon House was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s.

The Grade I-listed property includes a grand marble hall, porcelain collection and unique Maori meeting house. 

After being passed down through Lord Onslow’s family for generations, the house was left to the National Trust in 1956.

It was refurbished under the eye of interior designer John Fowler and contains a collection of 18th-century furniture, porcelain and textiles.

The estate is one of Surrey’s most popular wedding venues, as well as being used for corporate events and private parties.

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