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. Officials report that no one was hurt in the incident, although it is unknown whether any nearby houses were damaged.
There were 12 fire teams on the site at its height. This morning, there are still six fire engines, a height vehicle, a bulk water carrier, and various support teams 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.
Parts of the ancient edifice, which houses The Dirty Habit, date back to the eleventh century.
Locals who claim to have been behind the tavern say they are heartbroken that the iconic restaurant is no longer there.
Community member Gillian Smith told Kent Online, “Always been one of my favorite locations, very sorry to learn this.”
“That’s the bar where we went the night Graham Birch proposed to me!” How tragic to see such a historical ruin being demolished! Lisa Margaret Birch echoed her.
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.”
Also yesterday night, a fire severely damaged the Ramsgate bar Chilton Tavern.
Despite the fact that both fires broke out in Kent on Sunday night, officials have not yet suggested a link between them.