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 fifth part of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford’ looks back to the construction of the first roundabout at one of the most important road junctions in the town.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "The top of the High Street has always been an important junction, as this is where it connects to St Albans Road, Rickmansworth Road and Hempstead Road.
Before: The junction was a crossroads before the roundabout was constructed
"Originally, the crossroads area was quite open so when it became clear that a roundabout was needed to help traffic flow, there was plenty of room to do so.
During: The building of the roundabout is underway
"The new roundabout was constructed between 1935 and 1937 just before the current Town Hall was begun.
"Unlike today's roundabout, which is further along St Albans Road, this one was grassed with flower beds and a low perimeter fence."
An Ordnance Survey map showing the positioning of the new roundabout
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
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