The building known as the Wellington Inn has existed since 1552 when Edward VI was on the throne. At that time it was situated in the Market Place and Shambles. It is now the oldest building in Manchester. In 1554 it was purchased by the Byron family and was part residence and part drapers shop. In the mid 17th century a third storey was added to the structure. It was not until 1830 that the premises were licensed when the it was known as the Vintners Arms and later as the Kenyon Vaults. In 1865 the ground floor was known as the Wellington Inn whilst the upper two floors served as a mathematical and optical instrument makers. In 1897 the upper floors by this time were known as "Ye Olde Fyshing Tackle Shoppe". At this time a large clock was added to the main gable. In 1974 the entire structure was raised by 4ft 9in (1.45 metres) and moved into Shambles square to make way for the Arndale shopping centre. In 1996 the building sustained considerable damage as a result of an IRA bomb which devastated the city centre. Restoration was complete by February 1997 and after dismantlement the building was moved 300 metres towards Manchester Cathedral. The pub re-opened in November 1999. The photograph on the left was taken in 1877.