An historic pub in the heart of a town has closed and is now up for sale.

The Grade II-listed Green Lion in Rainham is believed to date back to the 14th century.

It is on the market with estate agents Rightmove with offers invited and a possible change of use for the former coaching house.

Workmen carrying out alterations in the 1960s, uncovered a passageway leading from the cellar of the High Street inn to the nearby St Margaret's Church.

When roof tiles were removed about a decade later, a "priest hole" was discovered with several clay pipes and an old rickety bench in it.

It is possible this was a hiding place for those escaping various authorities and persecution.

Before the Second World War, the back of the pub was a bowling green which doubled up as a tennis court, but this was dug up as part of the conflict effort.

In latter years, live music and functions were held and it also used to have overnight accommodation.

Part of the hostelry was converted into a Thai restaurant but the business no longer exists.

Former landlady Hazel Staden, who ran the pub with her husband between 1968 and 1986, has posted on social media: "I think the Green Lion must be one of the oldest buildings in Rainham and I expect it could tell quite a few tales if only the walls could speak."

Last week, we reported how St Margaret's had suffered major damaged after being ransacked by thieves.

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