The former Newell House School, a cherished Grade II listed building in Sherborne, Dorset, was severely damaged by a fire believed to have been deliberately set on the evening of Sunday, April 26. The blaze, which started around 5:58 pm, raged for hours, ultimately causing the roof to collapse and leaving significant destruction in its wake. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Before the fire, the building had become a hotspot for persistent anti-social behaviour, prompting growing concern among local groups and authorities. Sherborne Town Council has urged Dorset Council to take more decisive action to prevent such behaviour and safeguard the vulnerable structure.
The Sherborne and District branch (SDS) of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has been vocal in expressing disappointment over Dorset Council’s handling of the building’s security and maintenance. Sir Christopher Coville, SDS chairman, described the fire as a “tragic loss” and lamented the long-standing neglect that preceded the incident.
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Sir Coville stated: “Newell House, located at the junction of the A30 and Marston Road, holds immense historical and architectural value. Despite our repeated appeals over the past five years, the building has been left vulnerable, unoccupied for more than two decades. While we received support from Sherborne Town Council, regulatory and financial challenges at the county level have hindered effective intervention.”
He added that the increasing trespassing and vandalism should have prompted stronger measures. “If a crime has been committed, both the perpetrators and the building’s owner — who has failed to protect it — share responsibility. Nevertheless, Dorset Council’s leadership could have done more to prevent this foreseeable tragedy. We call for an independent inquiry to examine the events leading to this fire and ensure the protection of Dorset’s historic buildings moving forward.”
Dorset Council acknowledged the damage and confirmed that building control surveyors and independent structural engineers have inspected the site. Several parts of Newell House have been deemed unsafe, and a contractor has been appointed to carry out necessary safety works. A cordon remains in place around the affected areas.
The council also emphasised its ongoing communication with the building’s owner concerning repairs prior to the fire. They noted that under The Building Act 1984, Dorset Council will seek to recover costs related to emergency safety measures following the incident.
As investigations by Dorset Police into the fire’s cause continue, the community grapples with the loss of a historic landmark and the urgent need for improved preservation strategies.