One of Kent’s oldest pubs was destroyed by a massive fire that also caused many to leave their homes.
Crews are still on the scene this morning after flames tore through the Hollingbourne, England, tavern that dates back to the 11th century.
Pictures show the popular tavern, which was historically used as an inn by monks traveling to Canterbury, in ashes after the fire ravaged the structure.
Although no injuries were reported, the area’s roadways will be cordoned off for a time as authorities investigate. At this moment, it is unknown what started the fire.
Residents who had previously been anticipating the Dirty Habit’s forthcoming winter menu, which was announced only hours before the fire, now express their sadness at the destruction of such a significant piece of history.
Around 8.23 p.m. on Sunday, a fire started at The Dirty Habit bar on Upper Street. Firefighters battled the flames all night.
There were orders to evacuate for surrounding houses’ occupants. If any nearby properties were harmed by the fire, it is unknown.
There were 12 fire teams on the site at its height. This morning, there are still three fire engines and a height truck on the site.
As they work on the area, officials have blocked off the neighboring roadways. Upper Street, Pilgrims Way, and Hollingbourne Hill are to be avoided by locals. Fire personnel anticipate that the road closures will extend for a number of hours.
Videos taken by a bystander named Luke Stroud throughout the nighttime as massive plumes of smoke rose from the old building’s roof and windows documented the development of the fire.
As the fire intensifies, despite the efforts of the fire department to put it out, onlookers watched as flames started to illuminate the inside of the windows.
The next building’s dark Tudor beams are entirely covered in firefighting foam, which is illuminated by emergency service lights. Photos taken this morning revealed that the pub’s roof and windows had both been destroyed.
Fortunately, nobody was hurt, but shocked customers posted about their amazement on Facebook.
According to the pub’s website, The Dirty Habit dates to the 11th century, with some of the ancient structure being close to 1,000 years old.
Elite, a pub business, is currently in charge of Hollingbourne’s The Dirty Habit.
Locals who claim to have been behind the tavern say they are heartbroken that the iconic restaurant is no longer there.
“Always been one of my favorite spots, very sorry to learn this,” Gillian Smith continued.
It’s severely damaged and remains on fire, but all of the personnel are safe, according to Jackie Hadaway. There has been no injury. It’s a pity since it’s a historic structure.
The loss of the pu has left the locals in shock, they said.
On Twitter, Claire added: “So sad. My hometown has an 11th-century bar like this. With immense historical value and situated right on the Pilgrim’s Way… Another fantastic company is having problems.
Mike, another social media user, lamented the loss of one of his “favorite eateries,” noting that it was frequented by Canterbury Pilgrims and dates back to the 11th century.
He hoped that it will be rebuilt.
The Learning the Dirty Habit burned down last night, which wrecked my day, said Twitter user Henry.
Another individual called the pub’s closure a “sad.”
The fire started on the day the historic pub launched its new winter menu when it was busy getting ready for Christmas.
On the same evening, after hearing an explosion, firemen responded to a large fire at the Chilton Tavern in Ramsgate, which was located more than 40 miles away. The two events have not been linked together by the authorities.