Clandon House Drone Footage Captures Historic Mansion Going Up In Smoke | HuffPost

Drone Footage Captures Historic Clandon House Mansion Going Up In Smoke

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An 18th Century mansion has been left a "shell" but some of its valuable historical artefacts have been saved following a devastating fire, the National Trust's director-general said.

Dame Helen Ghosh said the interior of the Grade-I listed, National Trust-run Clandon Park House had been left 100% smoke and fire damaged by the inferno.

And only one room within the Palladian mansion near Guildford, Surrey, is believed to have been left relatively untouched by yesterday's fire, she said.

As she visited the site today, Dame Helen said: "The house is essentially a shell, with most of the roof, lintel and the ceiling and floors fallen into the bottom of the building.

"It's a very upsetting sight to anyone who loved this wonderful and historic building."

She added: "We have saved some significant items but certainly not everything that we wanted to save."

Clandon Park Fire

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Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s, after a fire broke out at the National Trust property near Guildford, Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s, after a fire broke out at the National Trust property near Guildford, Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Fire continues to burn in Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the large fire which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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The Fire brigade attempt to put out a large fire at Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the fire, which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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A fire at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday April 29, 2015. The fire is believed to have started in the basement of Clandon House before spreading to the roof. (credit:Steve Parsons/PA Wire)

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Fire brigade spray water on Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the large fire which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire brigade spray water on Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the large fire which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire brigade spray water on Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the large fire which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire brigade spray water on Clandon Park House on April 29, 2015 in Guildford, England. 60 fire officers are attending the large fire which started in the basement of the 18th century house. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire damage is visible through a doorway at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire brigade officers take a break at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire damage is visible at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers stand in the doorway to inspect damage at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire damage is visible at Clandon Park House as smoke is still seen coming from the remains of the roof on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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A fireman continues to douse burning timbers at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire damage is visible at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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A fire officer stands in the doorway to inspect damage at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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A fireman inspects damage at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers continue to douse burning timbers at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers stand in the doorway to inspect damage at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers continue to douse burning timbers at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers continue to douse burning timbers at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

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Fire officers continue to douse burning timbers at Clandon Park House on April 30, 2015 near Guildford, England. Salvage operations have begun to rescue antiques from the remains of the 18th century stately home after a fire gutted large parts of the building. (credit:Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images)

Around 80 firefighters tackled the blaze at its height, which sent flames shooting into the sky and stacks of dense black smoke belching out.

Staff and volunteers were safely evacuated when the alarm was raised just after 4pm yesterday, and structural engineers were due to visit the property later.

The fire is believed to have started in the basement before spreading through voids to the roof space. Fire officials have refused to confirm speculation that an electrical fault might have caused it.

Dame Helen said it was too early to say what the future holds for the property, which was used in the 2008 drama The Duchess starring Keira Knightley.

But the experience of National Trust team members who helped in the aftermath of a fire at one of its properties in Suffolk in the 1990s would be used, Dame Helen said.

She said: "There is perhaps one room that is relatively untouched but, other than that, the interior is extensively damaged. The external walls are still standing."

As embers continued to glow inside the building, Dame Helen praised the "brilliant" work of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, as well as staff, volunteers and locals who rushed to help.

READ MORE: Grade I Listed Clandon House Gutted By Flames

She said: "We have a very well-rehearsed plan to get key items out of houses. We have saved a certain amount of the contents but until we have got a chance to assess we can't really say how much."

Clandon Park is a popular wedding venue and the fire has impacted on the plans of some looking forward to holding their big day there.

One of those affected is IT consultant Peter Page, who was due to get married there next month.

He posted on Twitter: "So sad about Clandon Park. Due to get married here on 30th May. Can any wedding venues in Surrey let me know if they have any availability?"

Another person affected, Mark Nickols, posted: "My brother was supposed to be getting married at Clandon House on Friday. We now have 24 hours to plan a wedding."

Dame Helen said one wedding was due to be held tomorrow, and a team was contacting the bride, neighbouring properties and the registrar about alternative arrangements.

"From now it will be a slow process of an investigation by the fire service and then by our own specialists, and taking time about the future," she went on.

Roger Childs, of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, said the intensity of the flames burnt away floorboards and ceilings.

He told BBC Radio Surrey: "The fire originally started, we believe, in the basement, and because it's Grade-I listed, the fire spread through these uncontained voids and it quickly spread through to the roof.

"The original crews on the scene had to deal with a developed fire as soon as they got to the scene. It's significantly damaged across the whole of the building."

Managed by the National Trust since 1956, Clandon Park was built in the 1720s and contains a large collection of 18th century furniture, porcelain and textiles.

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