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.

The fourth part of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford’ recalls a report from this newspaper 123 years ago regarding a new method of transport being seen on the streets of the town - the bus had arrived in Watford.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "In April 1898, the transition from horse-drawn to motorised public transport was just beginning and the Watford Observer reported that: 'many of our readers have seen a motor car spinning along our thoroughfares in the last few days'.

"This motor car was a Rougemont motor waggonette and it was trialing a new 'bus' route between Callowland and Bushey Arches.

"It is thought this photo show the vehicle at this time - the driver is a Mr G J Bence.

"In May, with the trial declared a success, The Watford and District Road Car Company Ltd., was set up. It seems the waggonette continued to be used but was eventually sold to the Standard Range & Foundry company."

Watford Museum has reopened to the public. Admission is free but book first – call 01923 232297 or email info@watfordmuseum.org.uk. For more information, visit www.watfordmuseum.org.uk