Historic country house to host Muslims in 'Britain's largest Islamic gatherings'

Fintan Starkey
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:04:14 +0000

A historic country home appears set to be hosting one of the largest ever gatherings of Muslims in the UK later this year.

Shrubland Palace in Sussex has been designated to host a gathering of Muslims from across the world in an Ijtima gathering linked to the Tablighi Jamaat.

People from all over the world are set to descend on the village of Barham, where just 1,500 people reside.

Shrubland Palace is a 19th-century Grade II listed house and garden.

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It is not currently known if the venue holds the correct licenses to host an event of such scale, or whether the council has any knowledge of this event taking place.

There are also currently no known plans in place from the police as to what measures will be put in place to deal with such a large influx of people to the area.

The announcement came on a Facebook group named London to Nizamuddin.

In the video announcing the event, they said: “My dear respected brothers and my dear respected elders. This noble work of Da’wah and Tabligh given to us by Allah, finds a new sanctuary in this beautiful 300-acre Shrubland Palace.

“As we prepare for this Ijtima, due to be held from the 10th to the 12th of July, we are honored that the arrival of our community will be a beacon of guidance to all humanity.

“This historic venue is more than just a location, it is a blessed vessel for dhikir, and the concern and the fikr of humanity.

“My brothers and elders, from all over the world, please treat this message as an amanah, share it far and wide.”

In a message attached to the video, the religious group said: “We are pleased to announce that Shrubland Palace, Barham (IP6 0PW), will host the UK Ijtima on July 10-12th, 2026.

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“Set on 300 acres of peaceful, accessible grounds, this venue is perfectly suited for the gathering, offering vast space and unlimited parking.

“Located just 90 minutes from London and close to all major airports, it provides a cost-effective, distraction-free environment dedicated to the service of the Deen.

“We invite you to join us on this blessed opportunity.

“May Allah accept our efforts and bring the Ummah together in unity.

“Insha’Allah, we look forward to seeing you there.”

Shrubland Palace was sold to a private buyer in 2006 and is not currently open to the public, but does host private events on occasion.

The estate has previously inspired the “Shrublands health clinic” in 1965’s Thunderball James Bond movie.

However, filming took place for the movie elsewhere.