Osborne View fire: Relative of 1880s landlord tells of rebuild hopes

The Osborne View in Hill Head was devastated in a blaze at 2.30am that reached 330C with 10ft flames on Thursday, February 21 - with the current owners now confirming it has been destroyed.

Now the great-grandson of former licensee John Savage has told of his upset at reading about the fire while abroad in Canada.

Bill Jones told the Echo: "So sad to see news of this famous old building on fire.

"My great-grandfather John Savage ran this pub back in the 1880s.

"I have lived in Canada since 1964, but we have visited Osborne View on our many trips back to England.

"Some years ago I gave the landlord a framed copy of the old photo (which was hung in the bar), of John Savage in his pony and trap at the back of the building with his family, probably taken around 1879."

Osborne View fire. Picture: Uknip (Image: Uknip)

He added: "We sincerely hope Osborne View will be rebuilt in the future."

Bill said he makes sure to visit the pub on family trips back to England.

He also researched the history of the pub and added: "In around 1860 John and Sophia Savage became the licensees of the 'Osborne View'.

"An extract from the 'Portsmouth and Naval Gazette' dated December 22 1874 printed  "John Savage licensee of the 'Osborne View', applied for an extension on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day enabling him to open for an extra hour and a half until 11.30pm.

"The extension was granted and the licensee said that he wanted the extra time for the purpose of a little jollification'."

Bill added: "It's such a shame that this unfortunate devastating fire will put an end to much 'jollification' and family enjoyment at the 'Osborne'. Let us hope that it can be rebuilt in the future. "