A significant fire at Somerset House in central London prompted a large-scale response from emergency services. Around 125 firefighters and 20 fire engines have been deployed to tackle the blaze, first reported around midday. The fire caused grey smoke to billow over the River Thames and nearby Waterloo Bridge, visible from several streets away.
UPDATE:
Somerset House has unveiled a phased reopening plan for its public areas and creative workspaces following a significant fire in the West Wing of the historic 18th-century building. The fire, which broke out around midday on Saturday, August 17, required a substantial response from the London Fire Brigade, with over 100 firefighters and 15 fire engines on the scene. Authorities described the blaze as a “complex and technical” operation, and they successfully extinguished the flames.
Somerset House, a renowned cultural hub known for its public events and creative enterprises, is now focused on restoring the affected areas and gradually resuming its activities.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) confirmed that the entire Somerset House site has been closed to the public as crews work to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and no injuries have been reported. The fire appears on the opposite side of the building from where the Courtauld Gallery, a renowned art museum, is located. It is, however, in an area that houses Photo London and 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair.
Somerset House, a historic Georgian-era building on the Strand, is a major cultural venue in London. It regularly hosts exhibitions, events, and experiences, including its famous winter ice skating rink. It is also home to the Courtauld Gallery, which houses the Samuel Courtauld Trust collection, featuring masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including Vincent Van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear.
In response to the fire, Somerset House posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the site is currently closed, and today’s scheduled events, including the London Battle, have been cancelled. The London Ambulance Service has advised people to avoid the area due to heavy smoke and has recommended that local businesses keep windows and doors closed.
Emergency services, including crews from Soho, Islington, and other nearby fire stations, are at the scene. The LFB has deployed two 32-meter (104-foot) ladders to assist firefighting. The Metropolitan Police have also been called to the scene, implementing road closures around Somerset House to facilitate the emergency response. The police have confirmed that no one is believed to be inside the building.
Somerset House, a grand neoclassical building on the Strand in central London, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Initially built in the late 18th century, the current structure was designed by Sir William Chambers and completed in 1801. It stands on the site of a former Tudor palace that once belonged to Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, who was the Lord Protector during the early reign of his nephew, King Edward VI. The original palace, constructed in the 16th century, was one of England’s finest examples of Renaissance architecture before it was demolished to make way for the present building.
Somerset House’s architectural significance lies in its neoclassical design and its role as a centre of government and culture throughout its history. Initially, it housed various government offices, including the Navy Board and the Inland Revenue. Over time, Somerset House became a hub for arts and culture, a transformation that began in earnest in the 20th century. Today, it is a vibrant cultural venue that hosts exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal events, drawing visitors worldwide.
Somerset House’s most notable feature is its expansive courtyard, which has become a focal point for public events. In the winter, the courtyard is transformed into a famous ice skating rink, while in the summer, it serves as an outdoor cinema and concert venue. The building is also home to the Courtauld Gallery, one of London’s most esteemed art museums, known for its impressive collection of masterpieces, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne. Somerset House continues to be a vital part of London’s cultural landscape, blending its rich history with contemporary art and events.
As the situation develops, the public is urged to stay out of the area and follow authorities’ updates.