Half a year after its illegal demolition following an arson fire, the owners of Britain's "wonkiest pub" have been ordered to rebuild it, brick by brick, to its original appearance. The local governing council has given them three years to do it.
The Crooked House, at Himley, Staffordshire, was originally an 18th century corn mill, converted in 1830 to use as a pub. Soon after, it began its slow shape change, bent out of shape by land subsiding beneath it, a legacy of a long history of mining in the area. It was not only a popular local, but drew many visitors to the area. Shortly before the fire, the building had been proposed for listed status as a landmark.
Several times over the years it was threatened with demolition, but each time it was shored up and buttressed to keep it safe. It was sold to the current owners, a land company, last July 27; within ten days, it was heavily damaged by a fire, for which six people were arrested. Two days later, without permission, the owners had it bulldozed.
Local residents formed a group called "Save the Crooked House (Let's Get it Rebuilt)" and kept up pressure that eventually led to the Council's order.
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