The Three Horseshoes Fire, Abbots Ripton

Parts of the Grade II listed building are thought to have dated back to the 16th Century.

Firefighters managed to save much of the extensions at the rear of the structure from major damage.

Gary Mitchley, incident commander, said: "This was a well developed fire in the thatched roof. Once a fire has taken hold of a thatch roof it is near impossible to stop it from spreading, but crews did a good job in preventing the fire from spreading to the adjoining extension at the back of the property.

"This is a historic building and it is very sad to see it like this. However, we must be thankful that everyone managed to get out of the pub and no lives were lost."

Around 50 firefighters from across the district tackled the blaze, which started at around 4pm and took more than six hours to put out, although firefighters remained at the scene damping down and checking for hotspots in the remains of the thatch.

Crews from Huntingdon, Sawtry, St Neots and Papworth fought the fire and a turntable ladder was brought in from Cambridge.

The thatched part of the building was completely destroyed in the fire, along with most of the first floor. Flames were first spotted coming from the ridge area of the roof near the chimney shortly after 4pm

The Three Horsehoes is part of Lord De Ramseys Abbots Ripton Estate and had reopened about five years ago after undergoing five years of restoration.

Estate manager Robert Pickard said he thought the pub would be closed for at least two years while repairs were carried out.

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Education

Tags:

• Fire
• at
• The
• Three
• Horseshoes
• Abbots
• Ripton
• 23rd
• March
• 2010

[BlackWidowZ93]

Hey do you know when this re Opens i am hoping to apply for a job there part time please let me know.

[22ykij22]

very very sad, but interesting too - I was there today laying new flooring to the new upstairs and throughout , few of the original rafters remain the fireplaces inside remain , tho much have been replaced, but it will look incredible once finished, a lovely looking building!!!! - apparently the owner may of had money issues (could well be a insurance thing!!!!