In the early 14th century the house was owned by Mayor John Wytegod, who was a wealthy merchant.

In 1338 the largely defenceless town fell victim to a French raid as part of the English Channel naval campaign, 1338–1339; following this, Edward III ordered that Southampton's sea defences be strengthened.

As a result, the house became part of the town's defensive wall and the door and windows which faced the quay were blocked or converted into gun slits.

[3] The house consisted of two storeys, with the living quarters on the first floor including large windows and a fireplace.

A chimney constructed around 1200 was removed from another property in the city, 79A High Street, and is now located against the east wall of King John's Palace.