A major fire at the National Trust-run Clandon Park House, near Guildford, has destroyed many items from its large collection of 18th century furniture, porcelain and textiles.
The fire is thought to have started in the Palladian mansion's basement just after 4pm on Wednesday 29th April 2015 and an operation to retrieve items from inside is hoped to rescue as many salvageable items as possible.
National Trust director Helen Ghosh said the "most important" thing was that no-one was hurt. "But it has been heartbreaking to witness the terrible damage to this wonderful mansion, which means so much, to so many people," she said. "This will come as a terrible shock and a devastating personal blow to all our devoted staff and volunteers."
A Surrey Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said an investigation into the cause of the fire has been launched, he added that at its height about 80 firefighters had fought the blaze, which gutted at least one wing of the Grade I listed mansion.
The full extent of the damage is not known, nor is there yet any comment from the Trust as to when the much-loved property might re-open.
