Campaigners renew hunt for missing Crooked House clock two and a half years on

The much-loved timepiece, a fixture inside Britain’s “wonkiest pub” for decades, has never been accounted for. And despite the passing of time, those leading the fight to see the pub rebuilt say they have not given up hope of finding it.

Clock missing without trace

The 18th century pub, famous for its sloping floors and tilted walls caused by historic mining subsidence, was gutted by fire in August 2023. Within days, the structure was demolished without planning consent, prompting national headlines and public anger.

But when campaigners and officials examined the debris, they say there was no sign of the antique grandfather clock that had stood proudly inside for generations.

“No parts of the clock were ever found in the ashes,” said Councillor Ian Sandall, of campaign group Toast the Crooked House. “It raises obvious questions. Was it destroyed completely, or was it removed before the fire?”

Read more: What happens next for the Crooked House after company issued with striking-off order

Archive photographs from Hitchmough's Black Country pubs show the tall, dark wooden clock positioned against one of the pub’s famously slanted interior walls, its face slightly askew in keeping with the building’s dramatic lean. Visitors frequently posed for photos beside it, the tilted pendulum case becoming as much a talking point as the uneven bar top.

Some local historians believe the clock dated back to the 19th century, though firm documentation of its exact age has yet to surface. What is certain is that it featured in promotional material and press coverage stretching back decades, cementing its place in the pub’s story.

Appeal inquiry still paused

While the mystery of the clock lingers, the future of the pub itself remains tied up in legal process.

In February 2024, South Staffordshire Council issued an enforcement notice requiring the owners to rebuild the pub “as similar as possible” to the structure that stood before 5 August 2023. A three-year compliance period was set.

The owners appealed.

A public inquiry scheduled for March 2024 was later delayed after a High Court challenge. A judge ordered that the inquiry be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the criminal investigation into the fire.

In practical terms, that means the planning appeal cannot proceed until police inquiries conclude. The enforcement timetable, including the three-year rebuild window, remains effectively paused.

Criminal investigation ongoing

Staffordshire Police have confirmed that investigations into the cause of the blaze are ongoing. Six people were arrested in the months following the fire.

Campaigners say the lack of a clear public timeline has fuelled frustration locally.

Toast the Crooked House has written repeatedly to authorities, including the Crown Prosecution Service and the county’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, seeking clarity on progress. Responses have remained limited while inquiries continue.

Still searching auctions and sales

Despite the uncertainty, volunteers have continued quietly scanning auction listings, antiques fairs and car boot sales in the faint hope the clock might resurface.

“It may be a long shot,” Mr Sandall said. “But if it’s out there somewhere, we’d love to bring it home and see it back in pride of place when the pub is rebuilt.”

Campaigners are also appealing for members of the public to check old photographs. Clear images of the clock could help experts confirm identifying features if a similar piece appears for sale.

A landmark in waiting

For many across the Black Country, the Crooked House was more than a novelty attraction. It was part of the region’s character.

Today the site remains empty ground. The appeal inquiry sits paused. The criminal investigation continues. The rebuild is legally required, but procedurally stalled.

And somewhere, perhaps in a private collection or sitting unnoticed in a sales room, a clock that once ticked at the heart of the Black Country’s most recognisable pub may still be keeping time.