A historic 16th-century pub in Oxfordshire will serve its last drinks today as it closes for good.

The Black Prince in Woodstock has confirmed that its last trading day will be today (June 3) after the business has been sold with the new owners closing the pub for the "foreseeable future".

An announcement from the pub said it is believed it will reopen again at some point in the future but there is "no information on if or when this will happen".

The pub at Manor Road sits opposite the grounds of Blenheim Palace, on the banks of the River Glyme boasting a riverside garden.

A pub spokesperson said: "We are all very shocked and saddened that our journey together must come to an end and would like to say thank you everyone who has ever been in to visit us.

"It’s the community that made us as popular as we are, and we share the sadness of the community in this news.

"If we have given you great food, great service and made you feel welcomed then we have done our jobs. We were never just a pub. We were a home to many people.

"To all our customers, with two legs or four, we can only say you have all been wonderful and have given us many happy memories.

"You will be missed beyond measure. We hope to see as many of you as possible before the doors close, the chairs are put up and the candles blown out for one final time."

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Many took to social media the share their disappointment on the closure.

George Hogg said: "I cannot believe this. Always been one of my favourite pubs to visit with my um and dad many many times as we are locals around here.

"I'm just beyond gutted that the Prince is closing down. I feel like crying to be brutally honest because I know dad played many a disco at Mock Mayor over the years until recently"

Ed Creasey said: "We will miss you guys so much. My kids, and my dog, have grown up in that pub, and you’ve welcomed them with open arms.

"So many great memories. It’s the end of an era. Don’t underestimate how important you’ve been to our community."

Christine Lea said: This is just the worst news. The Black Prince is one of the last of the real pubs and loved by the locals.

"When you have a winning formula thanks to the brilliant staff at The Black Prince why change it?"