This site is now home to a popular High Street chain but for many years it has been the location of a pub.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Watford Museum archive and this week we recall the Eight Bells.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “The Eight Bells, on the High Street, had been named the Barley Mow in the 1760s although it is believed a pub had been on this site prior to this date. One of the earliest known owners was Sam Smith, a brewer.

Watford Observer: The Eight Bells was next to a former Littlewoods store.The Eight Bells was next to a former Littlewoods store. (Image: Watford Museum)

“The pub appears to have become the Eight Bells, c1790, and was run by many people including John Kilby who held the pub in the 1840s & 50s.

“It remained the Eight Bells until it was closed in 1956 when it and an adjacent building were demolished. Today Primark is here.”

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