The Angel Inn must be rebuilt and restored
The Angel Inn in North Street, Midhurst, is not only an iconic landmark loved by visitors for hundreds of years, but it is a building which symbolises so much of Midhurst’s proud and wonderful history.
The news of the devastating fire will have left an entire town – and beyond – in shock.
Thanks to our amazing emergency services, not least our very brave firemen and women, no-one appears to have been hurt in the inferno. But as the dust and the smoke abate, everyone who has loved and loves the Angel knows that it must be rebuilt and restored.
The Gazette’s sister title the Midhurst & Petworth Observer – which for many years had its offices adjacent to the Angel – published a very special edition of the newspaper in addition to the normal edition which went on sale on Thursday, so momentous was the terrible event.
And we applaud the statement by Carol Lintott, chair of
Midhurst Town Council.
She said: “Following news of the devastating fire, West Sussex County Council are coordinating the emergency and accommodation has been found for those evacuated.
“Midhurst Town Council is grateful for the outpouring of support from our local community, we’ve been inundated with donations and we ask for no more at this time.
Our thoughts are with those who have lost possessions, homes and businesses but we are so thankful that no one was injured.”
I remember the Angel well as a young reporter on the Observer, 42 years ago. It was a hub for the town and a welcome haven after a long day in the office next door. Indeed, if we started work particularly early it was not unknown for some of us to slip to the Angel for breakfast ...and then again for a pint of beer in the evening.
It exuded a timeless charm and its extraordinary history – over 400 years – was imbued in the very fabric of the building.
I am convinced that the community will rally round as they have already done and insist that the building is brought back to its former glory.
The West Sussex Gazette will do all it can to encourage and support such efforts.
The building is Grade II listed with Historic England and features an 18th century court room. Much of the building dates back to the 18th century with some parts being renovated in the 19th century. It is famed for its tall Georgian frontage over three storeys with eight windows.
A number of famous people have visited over the years, including H G Wells who was schooled at Midhurst Grammar School when it was in North Street.
Poet Hilaire Beloc also stayed at the hotel and ended up writing much of his work in Sussex.
Another momentous visit came from the Pilgrim Fathers who are said to have spent time in the hotel when it was a coaching inn. It truly is a very special part of Sussex.
How shocked and saddened we all are by this terrible fire.
More than 30 people, including Ukrainian refugees, were evacuated after a blaze broke out at the Angel Inn in Midhurst
Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in North Street at 1.08am on Thursday, March 16.
The blaze destroyed the Angel Inn – a historic and much-loved hotel.
A spokesperson for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “Joint fire control mobilised 15 fire engines, two aerial ladder platforms, two water carriers, an off-road vehicle and [a] high volume pump to the scene.
"Upon arrival firefighters were met with a significant fire in the roof space of the hotel, which has since spread to adjacent properties.
“Firefighters are working hard to bring the fire under control and are expected to be at the scene for a considerable amount of time.”
A relief centre was set up in Midhurst for those that have been displaced.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “A number of people, including Ukrainian refugees, were safely evacuated from the building and have been provided with temporary accommodation.
"No casualties have been reported at this time.”
Local residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut as there was a ‘large smoke plume’ in the area.
Chichester District Council leader Eileen Lintill, expressed remorse for the tragedy.
She said: “This must have been a terrible ordeal for those affected and our thoughts are with them. Our staff are currently doing everything they can to support them.”
Carol Lintott, chair of Midhurst Town Council said: “Following this morning’s news of the devastating fire in North Street, West Sussex County Council are coordinating the emergency and accommodation has been found for those evacuated.
"Midhurst Town Council is grateful for the outpouring of support from our local community, we’ve been inundated with donations and we ask for no more at this time.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost possessions, homes and businesses but we are so thankful that no one was injured.”