What was once the location of some of the poorest housing in Watford is now close to one of the town's main shopping areas.

The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week we recall Chapman's Yard.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "The entrance to Chapmans Yard was between 187 & 189 Lower High Street. When most of the yards in the High Street were numbered it was known as Court 21. It was reached via a covered way which was very close to the High Street station, on the opposite side of the road.

Watford Observer:

Entrance to Chapman's Yard from High Street

"The yard had very poor housing and in 1903 it was reported to the Board that some were in such a bad state of repair and 'have no proper through ventilation, the back being in immediate contact with the cowsheds'.

"Although condemned as insanitary dwellings, they were not pulled down until the 1930s. The roadway remained until redevelopment.

Watford Observer:

The red spot marks entrance from the High Street. The building at the bottom is Watford Museum

"If the road still existed it would pass through some of the shops in the Waterfields shopping area."

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.