Clandon Park House fire: 18th Century National Trust building engulfed with smoke as blaze breaks out in basement

The much-loved building was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s

Clandon House was built for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and passed down through generations of the family before being left to the National Trust in 1956 (PA)

A huge fire has broken out at an 18th Century stately home in Surrey.

Believed to have started in the basement after 4pm before spreading to the roof, the blaze at Clandon Park House is currently being tackled by firefighters.

The building, which is a popular wedding venue, was built by a Venetian architect for Lord Onslow in the 1720s and passed down through generations of the family before being left to the National Trust in 1956.

Clandon Park is a Palladian mansion built in the 1720s (PA)

The Trust says the Palladian mansion has a “superb” collection of 18th Century furniture, textiles and porcelain, along with original stucco ceilings and marble fireplaces.

It reported that everyone who was in the house is safe.

Dozens of firefighters battle a blaze at Clandon Park, an 18th century National Trust property near Guildford in Surrey. The fire is believed to have started in the basement of before spreading to the roof (PA)

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke emerging from the building while the BBC reported others apparently hearing loud bangs from inside.