You may recognise this large house if you've driven around the ring road in Watford but did you know it is more than 225 years old.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Watford Museum archive and this week we look back at the history of Watford Place.

The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Watford Place is often mistaken as the old maternity hospital which was actually at the far end of King Street on the other side of the ring road.

Watford Observer: Watford Place viewed from the ring road.Watford Place viewed from the ring road. (Image: Google Street View)

"Watford Place is thought to have been built by Mr Paxton c.1797, but an earlier date of c.1788 is possible. In this year The Times published an auction notice for 'an elegant Freehold Capital new-built mansion called Watford Place'.

Watford Observer: The house from the King Street side in 1797.The house from the King Street side in 1797. (Image: Watford Museum)

"We know there were two earlier houses of this name in different locations, but this seems to sound like the house in King Street and we know the centre block was taller than today.

Watford Observer: The auction notice from The Times of May 15, 1788.The auction notice from The Times of May 15, 1788. (Image: Watford Museum)

"The illustration at the top of this page shows the house from an 1851 sales plan."

 

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