Originally built in 1592 it was known as Market Cross House. Because of an acrimonious land dispute the council ordered the first Market Cross House to be demolished. The building that survives now is what was rebuilt in 1687. It acquired its famous tilt after being restructured in 1718 with unseasoned green oak. There is a secret passage to Windsor Castle, now blocked, from its basement. This is reputed to have been used both for the illicit meeting between King Charles and his mistress, Nell Gywn and for taking provisions to the castle kitchens.It was originally a butcher’s shop; but over the centuries the building has housed many types of businesses. It has been a jeweler, a brewery, an antique shop, and a gift shop in the past. It is now a quintessential English tea room. Source - http://www.crooked-house.com