This picture was taken in the heart of Watford almost 75 years ago but it still has a familiar look to it.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the archive at Watford Museum and this week we look back to this view of Market Place from 1949.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “This view along the Market Place in High Street still has a feel that it had in 1949.

“Buildings on the left-hand side have been rebuilt but what today is the HSBC bank and the building occupied by Poundland are the same, as are some further along the road.

Watford Observer: How this section of High Street looked in the 1980sHow this section of High Street looked in the 1980s (Image: Bob Nunn/Watford Museum)

“Those on the right-hand side have gone - the large building being the Spread Eagle pub.

Watford Observer: A modern-day view of High StreetA modern-day view of High Street (Image: Google Street View)

“The shops at the end of the market place are SMC and Eastmans. Later a new building came here, part of which was occupied by Ratners, but this too has been demolished to create the open area we have today.”

Visit the Museum Facebook page or website www.watfordmuseum.org.uk to see more historic photos