Records relating to the early history of the site on which the present building stands are patchy. The Listed Buildings Survey dates the building to the 15th Century.

Built as a two storey timber-framed building with an attic, it still retains the original fireplaces.

The entrance door is sixteenth century, while the bow window is probably from the eighteenth century.

Distinctive features, often missed by visitors, are the two gargoyles that flank the front of the building. Although it is difficult to be specific, it is likely that these were added in the sixteenth century when the doorway was replaced. It should be mentioned that a Gargoyle is truly a waterspout projecting from a gutter and intended to throw water away from the walls. Decorative characters such as those on the doorway are more accurately called Grotesques.

The panelling in the upstairs room is a relatively recent addition, probably in this century

1841 – The building was occupied by Hopkins Francis, a clerk in the Stamp Office, together with his wife Esther, his children & 2 servants
1851-1871 – Thomas Wood lived here with his family and ran a shoe & boot-making business from the front downstairs room.
1871-1881 – Thomas’s son George took over the family business and remained as head of the household
1881-1916 – William Craig, his wife Jane and daughters Rosa & Bertha moved in. They lived upstairs and ran a hairdressing business downstairs. In 1901 Craig described himself as a hairdresser and naturalist and between 1908 and 1912 as a glass and china repairer
1916-1926 – The private residence of an Ernest Bridger
1931-1970 – The Ames family took up residence. The property was run as an antiques shop by Mr L Ames until 1940 when Mrs E Ames took over.
1970-Present – The building had various uses, including a restaurant, dried flower shop, jumper shop and now a tearoom.