Denchworth Barn Destroyed by Fire

This morning, many of us in the north of Grove woke to find black pieces of burnt debris on our cars and the road between Grove and Denchworth closed with a barrier across (left photo). This was because of a fire which destroyed the long thatched barn (Brook Lane Barns) next to Denchworth Manor and reports have appeared in the media here and here. I have just visited the scene of the fire tonight (right photo) and talked to the fire officers. Apparently, the alarm was raised by a passing motorist in the early hours of Sunday morning and 10 fire engines from across the county were used to bring the blaze under control. There are a number of nearby thatched properties so, whilst it is a great shame that this old barn has been lost, we should be thankful that the officers managed to prevent it from spreading further.

The road is now open to traffic, but please take great care as you approach Denchworth as there will be a continuing presence of fire vehicles and firemen through the night and tomorrow. I understand there has also been an accident at The Volunteer bridge, which has meant that more traffic than normal has been going through Denchworth tonight.