A historic house, thought to have inspired the famous novel by Jane Austen, has been destroyed by a fire

A devastating fire has engulfed Gennings Park, a historic house in Hunton, Kent, believed to be the inspiration for Jane Austen's iconic novel, Pride and Prejudice. The fire, which broke out on Friday evening around 21:00 has left the building in ruins, with the roof collapsing under the intense blaze. Gennings Park, dating back to the first half of the 18th century, holds a significant place in literary history, with Historic England suggesting it as the possible setting for Austen's renowned work. The loss of this architectural gem is not only a blow to the local community but also to literary enthusiasts worldwide. Kent Fire & Rescue Service responded swiftly to the emergency, dispatching 16 fire engines and approximately 50 firefighters to battle the inferno. The fire was concentrated on the first floor and in the roof space of the property, presenting challenging conditions for the firefighters. Despite their valiant efforts, the flames proved relentless, ultimately leading to the partial collapse of the building. A technical rescue team was deployed to assist in salvaging belongings from the property, highlighting the desperate attempts to preserve what remained of the historic structure. Andrew Lawrence, the owner of Gennings Park, recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing his beloved property consumed by flames. Lawrence was inside the house when the fire alarm sounded, initially dismissing it as a false alarm. However, upon stepping outside, he was met with a horrifying sight of flames bursting through the roof. Describing the house as "very old" with extensive timber features in the roof, Lawrence lamented the destructive impact of the fire, exacerbated by the easterly wind that fueled the flames. As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the loss of Gennings Park serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of historical treasures and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.