King John's House fire: Museum will bounce back says trust chair

King John's House was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Sunday, barely ten days after Dr Freddie Law-Turner took over as the new chair of the Trust.

The fire began in the cellar, before engulfing the 800-year-old building and it took six fire engines to put it out.

The doctor, an independent art historian who curates, researches, writes and lectures on medieval and Renaissance art, said: "The job of the trustees and staff now is to turn this tragedy into a triumph and turn KJH into a vibrant cultural centre for Romsey and the wider area.

"We've got big dreams for this place - it's one of the most important medieval buildings in the South East."

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The new chair of The King John's House and Tudor Cottage Trust Ltd, Dr Freddie Law-Turner. (Image: Charles Elliman)

KJH is still tallying up the cost, to the building itself and its collection, but the doctor said the worst was averted and the smoke damage mostly dramatic.

Dr Law-Turner, who referenced recent disasters to befall historic buildings, such as Notre Dame, said: "The very important medieval hall upstairs and the graffiti is smoke damaged but, otherwise, apparently, largely unscathed.

"We've lost some of the floors downstairs. The bone floor, which is one of the most important aspects of the museum, we can't access it at the moment - even as trustees, but I understand it is also largely unscathed."

The medievalist was asked if the disaster was something the museum could recover from, especially as it is supposed to be taking over the Romsey Visitor Information Centre at the end of March.

She said: "Yes, it is absolutely. It's a tragedy for all concerned but we are, right now, just very, very relieved that no one was injured - obviously, our priority is our staff and visitors.

"There was no one in the building and no one was hurt.

The fire broke out at the weekend (Image: Charles Elliman) "It's very sad, [but] we've got a huge amount of support from the Romsey community.

"We're incredibly grateful to the fire service; [and] to Test Valley Borough Council, who were on site immediately on Sunday.

"We are now awaiting reports from the fire investigators and the insurers are sending their team out too. 

"Test Valley Borough Council's conservation officer has also been out on site."

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It took six fire engines to put the fire out (Image: Charles Elliman) "At the moment, we really don't have any more information that we can give to people - we are simply awaiting reports ourselves.

"As soon as we have information, we will be putting it out there on social media and on the KJH website.

KJH is hoping to reopen as soon as possible and will be reopening its gardens to the public in spring.

The museum had been receiving offers for help and it has set up a JustGiving page for people who want to donate, which can be found at kingjohnshouse.org.uk/donate/