It was constructed in 1897 to the designs of local architect Fothergill Watson for Edward Skipwith, a wine merchant, in the Tudorbeathan Gothic style.[2] Edward Skipwith was a long-standing merchant operating from premises on Long Row, and he rebuilt this building as he retired, possibly as a retirement investment. It comprised 4 shops with offices above.
In 1993 the building underwent a £500,000 refurbishment lasting six months by Thomas Fish. This project won the 1993 Lord Mayor's Urban Design Award.[3]