EXPERT COMMENT LAST UPDATED : 16 AUGUST 2023
Fiona Brook, Lecturer in Psychology at Birmingham City University and Deputy Course Lead for BSc Psychology and Counselling, reacts to the continued outpouring of emotion following the unexpected demise of The Crooked House,
The iconic building, which was located in Himley, near Dudley, was gutted by fire just days after it was sold to a private buyer and then demolished just two days later.
“When people think of grief, they often associate it with bereavement… the death of a loved one - a person or maybe a pet," said Brook. "The American Psychological Society defines grief as ‘the anguish experienced after significant loss’.
“Looking at the alleged arson and subsequent demolition of The Crooked House, it is understandable that people in the local area are experiencing feelings of grief. Pub culture is very much part of the community identity for many Brits.
“A combination of factors seems to be contributing to the strong feelings experienced by residents of the areas around The Crooked House.
“There is the changing of British culture that is happening as a result of the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, which is resulting in establishments close to people’s hearts being lost. But the shock of the demolition adds salt to the wound.
“There was hope that the pub would be given a new chance at life, but, without warning, part of their community identity was taken away.
“A loss like this can be a reminder to people that the world is constantly changing, often out of our control. It can make us painfully aware of the often-supressed reality that all things come to an end.”