Shock from pub campaigners and former MP with The Crooked House devastated by fire
A man who set up a Facebook group in an attempt to try and save The Crooked House says he is 'devastated' by news of a serious fire at the famous pub.
Stuart Hall started the group last Tuesday when he saw news reports that the building had been sold and wasn't likely to return as a pub.
He has had people pledge support from all over the world including the USA and Australia and now has 939 members – over 300 joined today after hearing of the overnight blaze at the pub, at Himley Road near Gornal.
Stuart – who has now re-named the group Save the Crooked House (Let's Get it Rebuilt) said: "I'm not sure where we go from here because the fire has obviously devastated the pub and whether the building actually can be saved is debatable.
"There is certainly the appetite to do that, we have had so many people join the group since the news of the fire and before that messages of support from all over the world. It remains to be seen what the next move is from Marston's."
Stuart is based in Telford but grew up in the Dudley area where his parents ran pubs. He said he started the group not knowing whether it would be a realistic ambition to save the Crooked House for pub use and that it was a shame it wasn't used more before it closed.
He said: "I am as guilty of that as anyone, I think the last time I went was over two years ago and we know a lot of pubs are closing across the country.
"But with this one there just seems so much history there, a definite uniqueness and the potential to get people coming from far and wide to visit. It has been mentioned on national television and the messages of support on the group from all around the world show it has a place in people's hearts."
A spokesman for the pub's former owners, Marston's, said: "The sale of The Crooked House as a going concern was started in January and completed two weeks ago. We are shocked and saddened to hear of what has happened to one of our former pubs which has served the Black Country community for many years."
Former Dudley North MP Ian Austin said on Twitter: "The Crooked House, a historic Grade II listed 18th century Black Country pub, was sold to developers a few days ago.
"Last night it burnt down, the lane to the pub apparently blocked.
"I hope @StaffsPolice, @StaffsFire and @StaffsPFCC investigate and prosecute."
West Midlands mayor Andy Street said: "A lot of questions surrounding the Crooked House fire that need answering, and I’m sure the authorities will get to the truth.
"Today all we can say is what a tragedy, and I sincerely hope this iconic Black Country landmark can be restored and preserved."
John Corser, chairman of the Dudley and South Staffordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale, said: "The branch is shocked at this news.
"The Crooked House is one of the most important pubs in our branch area.
"It was sad to see it close recently and the branch was set to campaign to keep it as a pub.
"We can only hope that the damage does not mean the complete loss of such a beautiful old pub that has been enjoyed by generations of local people."
The branch had been due to discuss what it could do at its next meeting on August 16 at the Old Bush, Wombourne, at 7pm. One of the steps would have been to seek a listing as a community asset for The Crooked House.
Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson said: "Given the timing, I am sure this fire will be fully investigated.
"Many of us in the Black Country are fiercely proud of our heritage, and I hope the listed Crooked House will be rebuilt as was."