- 16 crews tackling flames at property in Clandon Park near Guildford after blaze broke out at 4pm
- Thick black smoke seen pouring from building and flames appear to have gutted most of the inside
- Witnesses report ‘large amounts of fire and smoke’ and hearing ‘loud bangs’ coming from property
- Estate used for filming, with Keira Knightley among stars visiting to shoot 2008 film The Duchess
Mark Duell for MailOnline
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Dozens of firefighters are battling a huge blaze at an 18th century mansion – believed to have started in the basement before spreading to the roof.
Some 16 crews are now tackling the flames at the Grade I-listed National Trust stately home Clandon House near Guildford, Surrey.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said more than 80 firefighters are on the scene in Clandon Park after the blaze broke out just after 4pm today.
The estate has previously been used for filming, with Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes among stars visiting to shoot 2008 film The Duchess.
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Aerial view: Dozens of firefighters are battling a blaze at the 18th century mansion Clandon House – believed to have started in the basement
Blaze: Some 16 crews are now tackling the flames at the historic National Trust property Clandon House near Guildford, Surrey
Emergency situation: Surrey Fire and Rescue Service said more than 80 firefighters are on the scene in Clandon Park
VIP guest: The estate has been used for filming, with Keira Knightley (above) among stars visiting to shoot 2008 film The Duchess
Saddening sight: One resident said she saw flames ‘shooting out of the building’ and that it appeared part of the roof had caved in
Rear view: One resident said firefighters had the blaze under control, ‘but then the water went down and the flames went up again’
‘Disaster’: Thick black smoke could be seen pouring from the building and the flames appeared to have gutted most of the inside
Witness Steve Porter tweeted: ‘Large amounts of fire and smoke coming from a major fire at Clandon House.’
Thick black smoke could be seen pouring from the building and the flames appeared to have gutted most of the inside.
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Another witness, Chris Nicholson, posted: ‘The smell of burning and the thick smoke is continuing and we have to close the windows.’
Others reportedly heard loud bangs coming from inside the property.
Surrey Fire and Rescue Service tweeted: ‘Fire at Clandon House near Guildford, a number of fire engines from Surrey Fire and Rescue on scene.’
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