Originally, Shophouse (or rather, Sheephouse) Lane was a very narrow and deep holloway, which by the end of the 18th century was occupied only by a few old cottages at the lower end, leading into the High Street on the east side. The site of nos.150-152 was however covered by an extensive range of utility buildings. These were entirely replaced by the present house, together with the stable yard on the west side in about 1825. Prospect Buildings, which ran down to the High Street on the east side of the alleyway beside no.158 was built about the same time. Later in the 19th century no.150 became known as Fern House. By 1840 it is shown in the possession of Thomas Kelson (member of a well-known family of Bath brewers and distillers at that time), who ran the British Wine Stores at the Assembly Rooms in Bath. This property is listed on the tithe map as a ‘House, garden and shop’ which presumably refers to the haberdashery and Post Office which was run by the Kelson family in Twerton High Street at that time. Until the 1890s the house continued to be occupied by members of the Kelsons, but about 1899 it was taken over by a Mr.Maurice Francis, who used the adjoining yard and stables for his coal dealer’s business. It continued as a coal yard and haulier’s business under William Rogers after 1904 until the 1970s. Since that time the yard has been the site of the present used furniture dealers.

About the time Fern House was built, another building on the west side appeared on the corner of Shophouse Lane, linking up with the old 18th century cottages. This house contained two dwellings, with single storey shop extensions added to the front (possibly in the early 1900s), mainly a grocer’s and confectioner’s. However, this house, together with the 18th century cottages, was demolished to make way for the widening of Shophouse Lane in about 1932-3. Fernley Terrace (nos.153-8) was built in about 1900 in the garden ground on the east side of Fern House which extended up to the alleyway of Prospect Buildings. The front gardens of Fernley Terrace formerly had iron railings, removed during WWII. Prospect buildings was demolished for the present housing in the 1960s, together with an 18th century cottage and stables at the rear which once belonged to the GWR during the construction of the railway.

Prospect Place not long before demolition, looking towards the railway arch at the east end of the High Street.

The entrance to Prospect Place, taken in the 1930s. On the right is the end of Fernley Terrace, and behind, the old Methodist Chapel.