Exeter fire: a timeline of events

The historic Royal Clarence Hotel was gutted by the flames Credit: ITV West Country

  • Friday 28 October

Emergency services received a large volume of calls reporting a fire in Exeter city centre.

It originated in an art gallery and quickly took hold, spreading the Royal Clarence Hotel.

The hotel was evacuated safely, and a cordon put in place.

  • Saturday 29 October

The front fascia under the roof of the Royal Clarence partially collapsed.

Crews confirmed the gas main had ruptured inside the hotel on the ground floor.

After a 50 hour blaze, the fire was extinguished - though hotspots remained.

Credit: Ben Birchall/PA

  • Monday 31 October

Owner Andrew Brownsword pledged that the Royal Clarence will be rebuilt - and a fundraising appeal was launched to help with the restoration.

Credit: ITV West Country

  • Tuesday 1 November

A large demolition vehicle made its way though the streets of Exeter to the site of the Royal Clarence Hotel.

Emergency services prepared to hand over the control of the site.

Credit: ITV West Country

  • Wednesday 2 November

Demolition Day.

The Cathedral partially reopened and crowds flocked to get a last look at the Royal Clarence Hotel.

By 3pm, demolition work began.

Watch the moment the historic facade was pulled down.

Credit: ITV West Country

  • Thursday 3 November

The cost of the blaze could be up to £25 million - it was revealed.

It has also emerged that demolition contractors at the Royal Clarence Hotel have not entered the building because of safety concerns - and have started dismantling it from above - brick by brick.

Credit: ITV West Country

  • Friday 4 November: one week on

The city takes stock of its loss, but there is some good news after it's been confirmed that the Christmas Market will return to Cathedral Green.

A special chalet will be available for the use of independent traders in the area who have had to stay closed since the fire.