A 400-year-old pub in a village near Darlington has closed suddenly, with the landlord repossessing the building.
A notice of peaceable re-entry has appeared in the window of The George and Dragon in Heighington, stating the owner Stonegate has taken back possession of the boozer and the lease has been forfeited.
The notice, dated August 11, appeared days after the pub had reportedly closed temporarily.
A notice of peaceable re-entry, also known as a notice of forfeiture, is a document left by a landlord or enforcement agent stating that a commercial lease has been ended and possession of the property taken back.
It is understood the pub is expected to get new owners soon.
The previous leaseholders did not wish to comment when contacted by the Echo.
The notice in the window of The George and Dragon, Heighington
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The George and Dragon pub in Heighington has been repossessed by its landlord after a notice of peaceable re-entry was placed in the window.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
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The notice warns: "Only persons authorised by us are entitled to enter the premises and any attempt by any person without our authority to enter the premises is likely to amount to a criminal offence which may result in prosecution."
The former coaching inn has welcomed travellers for centuries. Its original stables have since been converted into guest accommodation, while the pub itself has retained much of its traditional character despite modern refurbishment.
The pub was recently nominated by Echo readers as one of the ten best in the region.