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Fire destroys historic house believed to have inspired iconic Jane Austen novel


A devastating fire has engulfed Gennings Park, a historic house in Hunton, Kent (Picture: UKNIP)

A British country mansion believed to be the inspiration for Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice has been destroyed in a huge fire.

Gennings Park, in Hunton, Kent, has partially collapsed after a fire ripped through the early 18th century building.

The fire broke out 9pm yesterday prompting 50 firefighters to attend the scene.

Owner Andrew Lawrence was inside the house when the fire started.

He told the BBC: ‘A smoke alarm went off and we thought it was maybe a false alarm.

‘I looked outside and there were flames coming through the roof.

‘With the easterly wind it just fanned the flames.’

No injuries were reported but a technical rescue team was required due to the collapse of the building’s roof.

The owner manages to escape with the Dog his phone in his pants as the blaze ripped through the property. https://youtu.be/vm57dEYBXqc. GV https://youtu.be/CZAsw9qh_vM Interview with Fire commander A devastating fire has erupted at Gennings Park, a historic Grade II listed house located near Hunton, Kent, engulfing the first floor and roof space of the three-storey property. Sixteen fire engines, along with a height vehicle, are currently on the scene, battling the blaze. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, are tirelessly fighting the fire using main jets amidst difficult conditions. Despite the challenges, they have been working diligently to salvage belongings from the property. The technical rescue team is also in attendance due to the partial collapse of the building. Aerial view of building fire with firefighting efforts. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries resulting from the fire. However, the cause of the blaze remains unknown at this time and is under investigation. Aerial view of fire-damaged manor with emergency response. Gennings Park, sometimes referred to as Gennings House or Gennings Court, holds a rich historical significance. Built between 1727 and 1745, the property has been associated with notable figures throughout history. Occupants have included Sir Walter Roberts, 6th Bt, and his daughter Jane Roberts, who married George Beauclerk, 3rd Duke of St Albans. Later, it was inhabited by the Liberal politician Henry Campbell-Bannerman and his family. https://youtu.be/vm57dEYBXqc Over the years, Gennings Park has seen various occupants, including Conservative MP Sir Frederick Seager Hunt, 1st Bt, and his wife. The property has changed hands multiple times, with its grandeur and elegance attracting attention from both residents and investors alike. Firefighters tackling blaze at historic building. As firefighters continue their efforts to contain the blaze, the community remains on edge, hoping for a swift re
The roof of the building collapsed in the fire (Picture: UKNIP)
Owner Andrew Lawrence was inside the house when the fire started (Picture: UKNIP)

The fire was concentrated on the first floor and in the roof space of the property, presenting challenging conditions for the firefighters.

Historic England say Genning’s Park is ‘thought to be the setting’ for Jane Austen’s novel.

The author was a frequent visitor to Kent and had family living in the county.

An investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

In August, a fire destroyed another much loved building – Britain’s wonkiest pub The Crooked House.

It was gutted by the fire just days after it was sold by a private buyer.

One side of the Crooked House, which operated as a pub for almost 200 years, was 1.2m lower than the other due to a subsidence issue in the 1800s.


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