This wonderful aerial picture gives a flavour of how Watford High Street looked a century ago and how much has changed since.
The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week it is this picture taken from the roof of St Mary's Church.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "This view from St Mary’s Church shows the market place and the surrounding streets of the town beyond.
"The tall tower at the top of the picture is Beechen Grove Baptist Church which is on Clarendon Road. Today, if viewed the church from the same vantage point, it would be hidden by the YMCA building.
A view of the Saturday market in Market Place
"On the High Street, immediately below the church is the Essex Arms and corn exchange. To the right of it is Cawdell’s drapers shop, then in the bottom corner is the London, City and Midland bank.
"Unfortunately the image isn’t dated but the bank was built around 1907 and the Essex Arms was demolished in the late 1920s."
This Google Earth picture shows the same aerial view today
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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here