The mystery of the Crooked House fire

When Britain's wonkiest pub was destroyed in a fire and the ruins demolished, it sparked protests and made headlines around the world - but why?

Thanks to a bad case of subsidence the Crooked House in the Black Country, had become a landmark. Punters talked about how its alarming lean made you feel drunk before you got to your pint, while badly made shelves were said to be as straight as the Crooked House'.

But then it was bought by developers, caught fire and was immediately demolished. For many people it seemed like a symptom of how loved, local pubs were disappearing, while the nature of the pub's destruction also raised interest across the country - and beyond.