The suspected arson at the Crooked House pub in the West Midlands has brought memories of pub fires in Oxford.

Last month, two men were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following the blaze at Britain’s wonkiest pub in Himley, Staffordshire.

The burnt-out shell of the 18th-century building  was demolished without permission within 48 hours of the fire.

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The fire at the pub is a reminder of some spectacular blazes at pubs in Oxford.

Oxford Mail: The Crooked House in Staffordshire

These include fires at the King of Prussia in Rose Hill and at the Fox and Hounds in Abingdon Road.

In 2006, firefighters were called to tackle a serious fire at the King of Prussia in Rose Hill but they could not prevent it burning down.

Oxford Mail:

According to the Oxford Drinker, the magazine of Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), planning permission had already been given for a supermarket on the site and it became a Co-op.

Firefighters were called to the Fox and Hounds in Abingdon Road in 2009 but could not prevent serious fire damage.

The shell of the building was finally demolished in 2013 and a Tesco Express opened on the site.

Oxford Mail:

Following the fire a man was arrested on suspicion of arson but later released without charge. 

In 2007 there was a serious thatch fire at The Perch in Binsey Lane.

More than 100 firefighters worked throughout the night after the blaze started just after 4pm at the pub near Port Meadow.

Oxford Mail: Firefighters at The Perch

The damage caused was similar to 30 years before when an electrical fault sparked a fire.

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Fire investigation officers told the Oxford Mail the cause of the 2007 fire was accidental.

Investigators also ruled out the involvement of animal rights activists, which had initially been suspected.

Despite extensive damage, the pub was returned to its former glory and it remains one of Oxfordshire's most popular riverside pubs.

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.