Clandon Park

During our research since the fire, we’ve revealed a number of secrets hidden from view since Clandon Park was built almost 300 years ago. Most recently, we’ve uncovered a number of apotropaic marks, commonly known as witch marks. Surprising discoveries given the date that the mansion was built but, where evil spirits are concerned, perhaps it’s always better to be safe than sorry....

Following the clearance of the house, we wanted to understand more about how and when it was constructed and how it’s changed through the centuries. Unassuming spaces can yield surprising stories, and one of the rooms in Clandon’s basement has done just that.

The Speakers’ Parlour was the only room at Clandon Park to make it through the fire relatively unscathed and so, apart from tiny fragments, the historic wallpaper here was the only one to survive. Conservators have now carefully removed it for cleaning, and closer inspection by Project Curator Sophie Chessum has resulted in some interesting discoveries.

Allies and Morrison, a multi award-winning architecture and urban planning practice, have been chosen to help us restore, rebuild and reimagine Clandon Park. They were the unanimous choice of the jury following the international design competition which attracted some of the world’s leading designers.

Allies and Morrison is a leading UK architectural practice known for its inspiring designs and the variety of its projects, including work with historic places. With past projects in the heritage sector ranging from World Heritage sites to Grade-I listed buildings, get to know the team who’ll help us to rebuild Clandon Park.

Award winning landscape architects Robert Myers Associates (RMA) has now been appointed by the National Trust to join the restoration team at Clandon Park. While the gardens were left untouched by the fire, they form part of the restoration brief for the design team led by architect Allies and Morrison.

Through our International Design Competition we searched for a world-class multidisciplinary design team to restore and reimagine Clandon Park, following the major fire. The competition launched in March 2017; a shortlist announcement, and subsequently the winning team, were revealed that autumn.

Six award-winning teams were chosen to progress to the final stage of Clandon’s International Design Competition. We also announced a jury, from the worlds of heritage, architecture and the arts. That strong shortlist included established and emerging architects from the UK and international practices.

Each of the shortlisted finalists from Clandon Park’s International Design Competition produced initial design concepts to restore, reimagine and rebuild the house. Here you can find out a little more about each of the architect-led teams and view their proposals in a short video.

Follow our progress through all the milestone moments on the Clandon Park project in a single timeline article, beginning on the night of the fire all the way up to our most recent update.

Since our project began we’ve been using video to capture significant moments as work continues. Here we’ve gathered together all of our video features in one easy to navigate list.

Our project has drawn from the wealth of expertise and specialisms within the National Trust. From curators to building surveyors, meet some of the dedicated team working to achieve our goals.

It's a really exciting time at Clandon Park with lots of new opportunities, but it would be impossible to run Clandon successfully without the hard work and dedication of our brilliant volunteer teams. Discover how you can get involved and make a difference.

Would you like to have one of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer speakers from Clandon Park come to talk to your society, club or group? Discover the range of talks on offer, download your booking form and get in touch to book your chosen date.