Responding to an alarm just before midday, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) dispatched 25 fire engines to combat the blaze at Somerset House, with no injuries reported, according to police.
Somerset House, originally a royal palace built in 1547 and now serving as an arts and cultural hub overlooking the River Thames, faced a fire that fortunately did not cause harm to its historic structure.
LFB Assistant Commissioner Keeley Foster reported that crews were focused on extinguishing the last pockets of fire, noting that the building’s age and design posed challenges during the initial response.
The fire, which broke out in Somerset House’s west wing, where offices—not art collections—are housed, is still under investigation.
Crews are expected to remain on-site overnight to ensure the fire is fully contained.
“It’s too early to comment on the building’s condition,” said Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust.
However, he expressed confidence that the damage is limited to a small part of the building.
The Courtauld Gallery, housing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, is in the building’s north wing and was not affected by the fire.
Although the main Somerset House building will remain closed to the public until further notice, Reekie confirmed, “the Courtauld Gallery would reopen on Sunday.”
Rebuilt in 1775 after the original structure was demolished, Somerset House has a rich history.
It was once the residence of Princess Elizabeth before she became Queen Elizabeth I in 1558 and served as the headquarters of the Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War starting in 1642.
The site has also housed the Admiralty and the Inland Revenue. Although the Great Fire of London in 1666 devastated much of the city, it spared Somerset House.