On Saturday, August 17th, a major fire broke out at the historic Somerset House in London, with over 100 firefighters working tirelessly to control the blaze.
Located alongside the River Thames in central London, Somerset House has a rich history as a former royal palace and estate, now serving as a center for arts, culture, and entertainment.
Upon receiving the alarm before noon on Saturday, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched approximately 125 firefighters to the scene. The LFB stated in a release that rescue personnel were dealing with flames in a part of the building’s roof, with the cause of the fire still uncertain.
Images circulating on social media showed flames leaping from the roof and thick smoke billowing into the sky, though authorities reported no injuries.
Somerset House took to X to announce, “Due to a fire at a small section of Somerset House, the premises are currently closed.”
The architectural complex of Somerset House dates back to the 15th century but was demolished and rebuilt in the 17th century. It once served as the residence of Princess Elizabeth until her coronation in 1558 as Queen Elizabeth I. Additionally, the Treaty of London was signed here in 1604, ending the 19-year Anglo-Spanish War.
During the English Civil War from 1642 onwards, Somerset House was the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army. It also housed the Admiralty and Inland Revenue offices.
Today, Somerset House is a popular venue for creative activities and exhibitions. It is home to the renowned Courtauld Gallery, showcasing masterpieces from the medieval period to the 20th century. The law school of King’s College London is also located in the east wing of the complex.
Scheduled events at Somerset House’s outdoor courtyard on Saturday, including a dance competition, workshops, live DJ performances, and a large outdoor party, had to be canceled.
“We regret to inform that today’s events are canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” Somerset House stated on its website. “We are closely cooperating with the firefighters to contain the fire, and all staff and the public are safe.”
The Great Fire of London in 1666 devastated much of the city, but miraculously stopped near the site of Somerset House.
(Adapted from Reuters and CNN reports)