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Fire Guts 17th‑Century Barton House in Cotswolds

Owners say an electrical fault started the blaze and the formal fire inquiry plus decisions on repair, insurance and heritage consent have not yet been made.

Overview

  • The manor was extensively damaged when a large fire tore through Barton House, destroying much of the roof and gutting the top floor after the blaze on Saturday, September 5.
  • Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called at 11.52am, deployed eight engines and used jets, hose reels and breathing apparatus before sending a stop message at about 11.30pm after nearly 12 hours at the scene.
  • The anonymous owners have told reporters they believe an electrical fault in a first‑floor light fitting started the fire and they described themselves as devastated as volunteers helped salvage what they could.
  • Around 30 local residents from Guiting Power joined a clean‑up and salvage effort but the full scale of interior loss is unknown and officials have not yet released a formal investigative report.
  • Barton House dates to the 17th century, was sold to a private buyer in January 2025 for about £8.28 million after recent renovation, and its Grade II listing means any repairs will require heritage consent and work with insurers.