A raging fire has devastated one of Kent’s oldest pubs, used by Canterbury pilgrims. Flames tore through the 11th century Dirty Habit pub, once an inn for monks on the way to Canterbury. It began just after 9pm and at the peak there were 12 fire engines trying to fight the blaze on Pilgrims Way, Hollingbourne while residents were evacuated to nearby homes. Videos from passerby Luke Stroud captured the progression of the furnace as giant plumes of smoke billowed from the roof and windows of the historic building in the night. Bystanders watch as flames begin to light up the inside of the windows as the fire gathers force, despite fire fighters trying to quell the blaze. Fire-fighting foam completely covers the black Tudor beams of the next door building lit up by emergency service lights. This morning he photographed the pub’s windows blown out and roof blown off. Fire crews are still at the site this morning. Fortunately no one was reported injured but heartbroken customers took to Facebook to recount their shock. Lisa Margaret Birch posted: "That’s the pub we went to the night Graham Birch asked me to marry him! So sad to see such a piece of history destroyed!" Gillian Smith added: "Always been one of my favourite places, so sad to read this." Jackie Hadaway said: "It's badly damaged and still burning all the staff are safe. No one has been hurt. Such a shame as it's a historical building." The historic pub was in the middle of busy Christmas preparations and the fire broke out on the same day it unveiled its new winter menu. On the same night just over 40 miles away firefighters tackled a massive fire at the Chilton Tavern, Ramsgate, after a loud explosion was reported. A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: "Six fire engines, a height vehicle, bulk water carrier, technical rescue team, command support unit, and KFRS’ volunteer response team remain in attendance this morning. "There are no reported injuries. “The surrounding roads are expected to be closed for several hours while the fire service works at the scene – please avoid Upper Street, Pilgrims Way and Hollingbourne Hill." The Dirty Habit in Hollingbourne is now run by pub chain Elite.