This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/7690724.stm
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 6 | Version 7 |
|---|---|
| Blaze hits actor's historic home | Blaze hits actor's historic home |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| A historic building that was once home to Shakespearean actor David Garrick has caught fire in south-west London. | A historic building that was once home to Shakespearean actor David Garrick has caught fire in south-west London. |
| The entire roof of the Grade I listed Garrick's Villa in Hampton Court Road has been destroyed in the fire, which began at about 1129 BST. | The entire roof of the Grade I listed Garrick's Villa in Hampton Court Road has been destroyed in the fire, which began at about 1129 BST. |
| Fifty firefighters have been tackling the fire but no injuries have been reported. Witnesses said building work had been taking place at the property. | Fifty firefighters have been tackling the fire but no injuries have been reported. Witnesses said building work had been taking place at the property. |
| Transport for London has put bus diversions in place around the area. | Transport for London has put bus diversions in place around the area. |
| Half of the building's first and second floors also caught fire, a fire brigade spokeswoman said. Ten fire engines were sent to the scene. | Half of the building's first and second floors also caught fire, a fire brigade spokeswoman said. Ten fire engines were sent to the scene. |
| All occupants of the building have been evacuated. | All occupants of the building have been evacuated. |
| London Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a fast response car to the scene, but no-one has received treatment. | London Ambulance Service sent two ambulances and a fast response car to the scene, but no-one has received treatment. |
| Harry Lansdale, a barman at the nearby Kings Arms pub, said police had cordoned off the area. | Harry Lansdale, a barman at the nearby Kings Arms pub, said police had cordoned off the area. |
| "The whole road is gridlocked," he said. "I've seen loads and loads of police and fire engines driving towards it." | "The whole road is gridlocked," he said. "I've seen loads and loads of police and fire engines driving towards it." |
| In pictures: Garrick's Villa fire | In pictures: Garrick's Villa fire |
| He added: "There's loads of smoke everywhere. The police have blocked the road. No-one can get through." | He added: "There's loads of smoke everywhere. The police have blocked the road. No-one can get through." |
| David Garrick is regarded as one of Britain's greatest actors, and the founding father of the "realist" school of acting. | David Garrick is regarded as one of Britain's greatest actors, and the founding father of the "realist" school of acting. |
| Built in the Middle Ages, the building was acquired by the actor in 1754 as his country retreat. | Built in the Middle Ages, the building was acquired by the actor in 1754 as his country retreat. |
| It was converted into apartments in 1969, retaining some of the features installed by the actor. | It was converted into apartments in 1969, retaining some of the features installed by the actor. |
| Twickenham Museum history centre spokesman Mike Cherry said the Villa was "an iconic building" whose importance "couldn't be understated". | Twickenham Museum history centre spokesman Mike Cherry said the Villa was "an iconic building" whose importance "couldn't be understated". |
| "It's hugely significant because of its association with Garrick," Mr Cherry said. | "It's hugely significant because of its association with Garrick," Mr Cherry said. |
| "He is such an important figure in theatre, both in acting itself and theatre management, and the building provided an historical link with the man. The news has come as quite a shock." | "He is such an important figure in theatre, both in acting itself and theatre management, and the building provided an historical link with the man. The news has come as quite a shock." |
| Advertisement | |
| Firefighters tackle the blaze at the London villa | |
| Do you have pictures or video of the Garrick's Villa fire? | Do you have pictures or video of the Garrick's Villa fire? |
| Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file including video you can upload here.Read the terms and conditions | Send your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124. If you have a large file including video you can upload here.Read the terms and conditions |
| At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. | At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws. |