A MASSIVE FIRE in the south west of England has destroyed what is being called ‘England’s oldest hotel’ – collapsing all floors and leaving it as ‘nothing but a shell’.
Firefighters are still trying to contain the damage caused by the blaze almost two days after the fire begun in Cathedral Green, Exeter, Devon.
It is thought that a gas leak fuelled the fire which tore through the Royal Clarence Hotel – said to be standing for at least 300 years.
Emergency services are monitoring the situation after initial ‘laser’ tests seem to indicate that the building is wobbling.
Exeter City Council have been assisting guests who were staying at the hotel to find alternative accommodation and have warned people to stay away from the Cathedral Green area.
Tours of the area were also cancelled yesterday as the emergency services tried to contain the blaze.
Neighbouring retailer Ridgways Shoes announced today that they would be closed “until further notice” because of the “devastating fire that is currently still taking hold of the beautiful Royal Clarence Hotel, ABode Exeter”.
The Exeter Cathedral, after which the square is named, announced that it would also be closed today.
Council leader Pete Edwards released a statement yesterday saying:
“I’d like to thank the emergency services for all their hard work [yesterday] morning in getting the fire contained. Their efforts, including the evacuation of the Clarence Hotel, has been remarkable.”
City Council Officers are helping those involved with any assistance that we can, including providing clothes. They have been doing a superb job since dawn [yesterday morning].
“The city has already responded in a positive way to challenging circumstances and will continue to do so.”
On the hotel’s website, it gives the following description of the historic premises:
“ABode Exeter stands proudly as it has done for 300 years on Exeter’s beautiful Cathedral Green at the heart of the city, with spectacular views of the Cathedral.”
Set in a 17th century coaching inn – said to be Britain’s oldest hotel – ABode Exeter has outstanding culinary credentials, offered alongside modern, luxury accommodation.
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