The location is the now the home of the Watford branch of a high street institution but this former pub was once a significant building in the town with a past dating back hundreds of years.

The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week we look back to the George Inn.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "The George Inn stood on the High Street where M&S is today. It is thought that there was a posting inn on this site at the time of the Civil War. In the stable yard there was a large building with a wooden balcony along the front and it was said that 'soldiers were billeted there during the Great Rebellion'.

"In 1894, a wooden building with a kind of gallery was photographed by A Whitford Anderson. Sadly, the building was pulled down in June 1897, so at present it’s not easy to prove if the story about the soldiers is correct.

Watford Observer:

A Whitford Anderson's photograph

"Whether the story is true or not, the George Inn was an important building in the town as many auctions (and a few inquests) were held there, presumable in an assembly room rather than the bar!

Watford Observer:

Marks & Spencer pictured in 1995 on the site of the George Inn. Picture: Bob Nunn Collection

"The pub finally closed in March 1936 and was demolished along with some adjacent buildings, to make way for a new M&S store."

Watford Observer:

The red dot marks the location of the George Inn in the town centre

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking is necessary but Covid prevention measures are still in place to keep visitors safe.