A Morris County mansion built more than a century ago by a member of the Ringling brothers circus empire was heavily damaged in a fire Nov. 14, authorities said.

The Jefferson Police Department responded to the Ringling Manor, on Manor Drive in the Oak Ridge section of the township, for reports of a structure fire at 7:12 a.m., Capt. Robert Bush said in a press release.

Firefighters at the scene were able to extinguish the blaze and clear smoke from the building.

The mansion sustained significant fire and smoke damage, but no occupants were inside at the time, Bush said.

Story continues below photo gallery

The historic three-story structure was built in 1916 by Alfred T. Ringling, who died shortly after construction was complete.

It features a view of nearby Lake Swannanoa and was th

See Full Page