POLICE and residents are renewing appeals for information after a historical pub was devastated by fire.

Arsonists are thought to be behind the blaze, at the Cricketers, in West Street, Coggeshall, on June 19.

Parts of the building are thought to date back to the 15th century.

Historian and parish councillor Michael Horne said: “This building must be saved at any cost, since through it a good deal of the town’s history can be revealed.”

The original central section is thought to date back to between 1420 and 1440 and manorial records from 1775 said the building was known as the Old Hall, or the Shambles.

Mr Horne said the Cricketers got its present name in about 1800 and was the favoured pub of nearby King’s Seed merchants.

Shirley Ratcliffe, voluntary curator of the Coggeshall Museum, said: “The King’s Seed merchants actually owned the premises from about 1850 onwards and the beer sold there was brewed at their own brewery on the Gravel, just a few hundred metres away.

“In the museum we have two bottles from King’s brewery, both still containing beer.

“Employees at JK King (the largest seed producer in Victorian England) were encouraged to patronise the Cricketers and it was the local for Coggeshall Town football team, mainly because JK King was a prime sponsor of that team.”

The pub was empty and undergoing refurbishment when it was set alight.

Inspector Mick Pitcher, of Witham police, said: “Coggeshall is one of Essex’s most striking market towns, and the Cricketers site is a part of our culture.

“We want to bring those responsible for the fire to justice, and we also welcome and support the efforts of the community to preserve and restore the Cricketers building.”

Anyone with information about the fire should call Witham police on 0300 3334444.