Mann's shop at the junction of the High Street and Bellingham Lane has 16th century or earlier origins with 18/19th century brick facings and later alterations.

It was the centre of great controversy in the latter part of 1970 when an application was made to demolish it. The Council of the day voted 20 to 1 to allow the application but the County Council and various amenity organisations including the Civic Society wanted to see it restored. Luckily with the aid of a grant it was restored in 1971/72. It had a rather unusual roof truss but its main attraction was its appearance and prominent position in the Town Centre.

The decision to restore this building was probably the turning point in the fight to retain old buildings in the High Street. Up to this time the policy had been to demolish the old and develop the sites with box-like buildings which were the vogue in the 1960's and 70's. To actually set about restoring an old building was a long overdue change in policy and a very welcome one.

A Town Map is on the wall of Mann’s facing the Millennium Clock (which was erected in 1999 and has a time capsule beneath it scheduled to be opened in the year 2050).