Stokenchurch’s historic Kings Hotel remains closed as its owner sues the insurer for losses caused by a huge fire.

The 16th century coaching inn on Oxford Road was gutted by a huge blaze in 2021, which quickly spread from the kitchen of the newly renovated building to the roof.

Now, the owner of the hotel and wedding venue, Stokenchurch Property Ltd and its operator, Kings Hotel Trading Ltd are suing their insurer over the fire.

They claim UK Insurance Ltd breached its policy by refusing to compensate them for losses caused by the fire.

However, the insurer said it was not liable for the £8.5 million sought by the defendants, claiming that they breached their insurance policy.

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This week, a spokesperson for the Kings Hotel said: “The insurance company has not concluded its investigations and has not accepted liability for the disaster. No payments have been made to the business.”

Customers were also told that the hotel was currently ‘not in a position’ to process any payments.

The spokesperson added: “We will be in touch will all relevant parties once we have any news.

“We thank you for your understanding and support during these difficult times and look forward to welcoming you back to The Kings in the future.”

Pictures taken this week of the mostly destroyed hotel show the fire-blackened roof collapsed into the fenced-off building’s interior.

Stokenchurch Parish Council and Buckinghamshire Council said this week that they were not aware of any plans to rebuild the hotel.

However, Bucks Council did confirm that the building was successfully added to the council’s Local Heritage List last year.

The list recognises the importance of local buildings, structures, archaeological remains, parks, gardens and public works of art.

The heritage status of sites on the list is taken into account in the planning process.

The hotel’s entry on the list describes it as a ‘landmark in the village of Stokenchurch’.

It adds: “Though mostly rebuild in the 20th century, the outer walls of the main building and footprint are still original.

“Sadly, the building was largely destroyed by fire on October 8, 2021, though hopefully the shell of the building can be retained.”

In 1680, the hotel accommodated King Charles II for an overnight stay on his way to London to attend Parliament.

Known then as The George, the hotel was deemed ‘unsuitable’ for his wife Queen Catherine, who instead spent the night in a tent pitched on the Common across the road.

The owners of the hotel have been approached for comment.