The Horse and Groom, in Castleside, Consett, is subject to a planning application to partially knock it down to build new homes.
Plans would see only part of the existing building retained and converted into three two-bedroom houses.
Stephanie Hodgson, who works at the pub, told The Northern Echo: “The building has been there since before Castleside was called Castleside.
“We’ve traced it back to the 1700s!”
A public meeting was held on January 2 at the pub, where residents gathered to discuss the planning application.
Members of the pub’s team also met with the parish council on Monday.
(Image: Horse and Groom) Most read
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“Quite a lot of residents in the area did not know the pub was under threat,” Ms Hodgson said.
(Image: Horse and Groom) The pub has asked for as many people as possible to object to the proposal in a bid to save the building and are also in the process of trying to apply to have the building listed as a community asset.
A local band has also put together a campaign song to save the pub.
The Save the Groom group said: “If this application goes ahead it means the loss of a community space for those that live in the area, it’s a loss of a piece of the history in Castleside, it’s a loss of local jobs, not just for the staff in the venue, but also to the bands and acts that are frequently employed on the social calendar.
“Over the years, this pub has hosted christenings, birthdays, weddings and funerals, and has become part of the history of many of the families in the village and surrounding areas.
“We really hope that the community rallies together and submits objections to the proposed loss of this community amenity.”