In Uppark's case it was a blowtorch which ignited the roof. The fire at Uppark Tragedy struck Uppark in 1989 when much of the house was destroyed by fire. At the time, I was the National Trust's Managing Land Agent for its West Sussex properties, and Uppark was my responsibility. An incredible rescue operation was soon followed by the Trust's most complex restoration. UPPARK DESTROYED The great fire at Uppark The huge destructive fire at Uppark started on 30 August 1989. Matthew and Sarah redecorated the house extensively from 1750 to 1760 and introduced most of the existing collection of household items displayed today, much of it collected on their Grand Tour of 1749 to 1751. The house, set high on the South Downs, was built for Ford Grey (1655—1701), the first Earl of Tankerville, circa 1690, the architect is believed to have been William Talman. I had drawn up and signed the contract with the builders who caused the fire (which started from lead workers ignoring carefully drafted "hot work" rules against precisely this risk). In an echo of the destruction of Cowdray, five miles across the Downs to the east, the fire was started by builders. The estate was sold in 1747 to Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh and his wife Sarah. In 1989 Uppark burned down. Uppark House on fire 30th August 1989 National Trust The fire service's decision to concentrate on buying time to rescue the building's contents allowed human chains of staff, volunteers, and even members of the public to help carry priceless works of art, fine furniture and delicate porcelain out through the windows and away from danger.