Owner of Royal Clarence speaks for first time about devastating fire
The owner of the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter has spoken for the first time about the devastating fire that gutted his historic building.
Andrew Brownsword has told ITV News West Country about his shock and horror as he watched the hotel burn to the ground last October.
When he first saw the aftermath, Mr Brownsword was like everyone else - deeply shocked. He owns 14 hotels, but he has a huge passion for the Royal Clarence, possibly the only hotel on a Cathedral Green.
He told us why it's so special to his family:
His first visit was the day after the fire which was believed to have started in the basement of a neighbouring building.
Mr Brownsword recounts the moment things took a turn for the worse when a gust of wind caused the blaze to catch the oldest part of the hotel - making it grow and grow:
But all eyes are now on the future.
The historic frontage will be a picture postcard replica.
Whilst the inside, the challenge to marry the medieval with the new:
Mr Brownsword believes his job now is to ensure the renovation creates a new history to be proud of, for the much loved Royal Clarence.