The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.

Part 45 of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' takes us back almost 100 years when a new market opened in the town.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "On September 25, 1928, a new market site consisting of 187 covered stalls and 174 general stalls was officially opened by the Mayor.

Watford Observer:

A glimpse of how the market looked

"At the end of the ceremony there was a presentation by Mr Jimmy Marsh of a large basket of fruit.

"The new market site of just under 2000 square yards, had been created with the slum clearances in Red Lion Yard and Chequers Yard.

Watford Observer:

The location of the market in the 1950s. The road exiting bottom left is Market Street

"I believe it was the first year in Watford's history that the main market was not held on or very near the High Street, since the Market Charter was granted in the 12th Century.

"Today, this site is covered by the Atria shopping centre."

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.