It may be hard to envisage but the picturesque, tranquil scene in the picture at the top of this page is part of what is now one of Watford’s busiest roads.
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 this view of St Albans Road at the Stanborough Park gates from more rural times that have long since ended.
The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “This view of St Albans Road, a short distance from the Sheepcot Lane turning, would be unidentifiable if the Stanborough Park gates and lodge were not included.
“We believe the image was taken after 1906 as the sign on the railing says Stanborough Park. The house on the estate was built in 1890 and at the time of its sale in 1906 was called ‘The Stanboroughs’.
“The source of the unusual name dates back some 500-odd years and in the 1840s the field running along St Albans Road was known as Lower Stanboroughs.”
Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.
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