This streetscape has a familiar feel to it despite being more than a century old, but one long established building was to be replaced by a high street institution.

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 George Hotel – and a rather unusual event that was staged there.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “The George Hotel - where Mark & Spencer is today - possibly dated back to the 15th century.

Watford Observer: The advert for the grand balloon ascent published in the Watford Observer on March 15, 1890The advert for the grand balloon ascent published in the Watford Observer on March 15, 1890 (Image: Watford Museum)

“As well as the usual day-to-day business, some rather unusual events took place in the yard behind, including the promise of ‘a grand balloon ascent to the cloud’ in March 1890.

Watford Observer: The George Hotel made way for Marks & SpencerThe George Hotel made way for Marks & Spencer (Image: Watford Museum)

“Many turned up to see this, some spectators ascending St Mary’s tower for a better view but, despite much pumping of gas the balloon failed to leave the ground!

“The hotel continued in business until 1936.”

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