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.

Part 40 of ‘50 events and dates that shaped Watford’ recalls the opening of Watford Musuem.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “In March 1981, locally born actor Terry Scott officially opened Watford Museum, in the building used by Benskins Brewery since 1867.

Watford Observer: Actor Terry Scott officially opens Watford MuseumActor Terry Scott officially opens Watford Museum

"The idea for a museum had been talked about for many years. Artifacts were already being held and displayed at the library and a number of these objects now form part of the Museum collection.

Watford Observer: Benskin's Brewery in the 1880sBenskin's Brewery in the 1880s

"The building itself has an earlier history. A brewing connection began with John Dyson in 1811, but the house had been built in 1775 by Edmund Dawson and his wife Ann as their family home."

Watford Observer: The Benskin family in the garden at the rear of the house, c1890The Benskin family in the garden at the rear of the house, c1890

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