The building itself has a chequered past. In the 19th century it belonged to Dover based Willard Sawyer, the internationally famous velocipede inventor and builder. He used it as a second
factory to manufacture his machines until they were superseded by "penny
farthings" and bicycles.
During the Great War it became a stable for two horses in the Armoury, and twenty-four mules, twelve on each side of the courtyard. Tackle and food were kept at the front part of the building. The animals were used to move stores and ammunition around the great military training camps that were adjacent to this area. Some remnants of the stables and mule sheds can still be seen.
It later became a builders' workshop and yard. The cottage next door was once part of the whole property.