The Watford Observer is again delighted to team up with its friends at Watford Museum to look at some structures or objects from the town’s past that have either disappeared or been relocated. Today we recall the Watford gas works.
The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “The Watford Gas Light and Coke Company was formed in 1834 and began production at works in the Lower High Street, near to Bushey (on the Lidl Supermarket side).
“The gas was generated by burning coal and the smells caused many complaints although I believe it was thought a good dose of the fumes could to help those with bronchitis and similar conditions, especially for children.
“Although production methods improved, manufacturing of gas in Watford ceased in the early 1970s.”
Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
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