The building was acquired by the Machynlleth Tabernacle Trust and excavations and survey were undertaken by CPAT before restoration work was started in 2005.

Royal House is a mid 16th century town-house, which combined, probably from the outset, domestic and commercial functions, with accommodation between a shop facing the street and a slightly later store-house at the rear.

[4] According to local tradition, Dafydd Gam, a Welsh ally of the English kings, was imprisoned here from 1404 to 1412 for attempting to assassinate Owain Glyndŵr.

The house formed the centre part of the range, with first floor hall and parlour heated by back-to-back fireplaces.

The shop faced the main street, and the rear addition bays probably formed a warehouse and some extra rooms.