Plea to save pub history

Historians are pleading with the new owners of a Bewdley pub to retain historic features inside the building which date back hundreds of years.

National pub chain Wetherspoons has recently taken over the historic George Hotel in Load Street, one of the oldest and most recognised buildings in the town.

The Grade-II listed building has long been a popular spot for both locals and tourists and was originally built as an inn during the 17th century.

People in the town are now looking for guarantees the historic aspects of the building will be kept intact by Wetherspoons for future generations to enjoy.

Historian and Worcestershire county councillor Nigel Knowles has already written a letter to bosses at the pub chain informing them of the story of the site and its historic importance.

Mr Knowles, who is also the Labour prospective parliamentary candidate for Wyre Forest and lives in Bewdley, has highlighted oak wall panelling inside the building as one of the most important aspects to be retained.

"During World War II between 1943 and 1944, the Free French and their officer cadets were based in Bewdley and Ribbesford House," he said.

"They used the oak panelling at the George Hotel to create several secret compartments where they kept their Cross of Lorraine and other momentos.

"I would like to be given a guarantee the compartments will remain intact."

Staff at the George Hotel said they believed Wetherspoons had submitted plans for the building but did not know what the works would actually be. One, who did not wish to be named said: "At the moment we do not know what those plans are or what features of the building are being retained."

Wetherspoons was unavailable for comment today.

By Lee Watton