Historic street signs in Oxhey Village repaired and restored

The restored Victorian plates in Oxhey Village reflect the history of Watford with mayor Peter Taylor keen to "protect" the town's heritage.

Among the street signs restored, which the council says had fallen into "poor condition" are Capell Road, which has changed from 'Capel' - named after the Earls of Essex and William Capell, the original owner of Cassiobury House.

Another is Grover Road. The Grover family owned the land on which this road was built in the 1880s and at that date they were wine merchants in the town.

Their son Henry Grover – founder of Watford FC - set up the club, previously know as Watford Rovers, when he and a group of fellow teenagers were given permission by the Earl of Essex to kick a football around in Cassiobury Park.

Grover Road street sign pictured now repaired

Villiers Road commemorates the relationship by marriage of the Earls of Essex and the Earls of Clarendon. The family are the former owners of the land and manor house at the five star Grove Hotel.

The popular Villiers Arms pub is also named after the family.

Work has also taken place on the signs in Upper Paddock Road, Aldenham Road, and Oxhey Avenue.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst standing by the restored Villiers Road street sign

Before and after the restoration of Capell Road and Upper Paddock Road

Mr Taylor said: "It is extremely important to protect the heritage of our town and I am very pleased these beautifully restored signs not only preserve the original Victorian style of Oxhey Village, but will last for years to come and help people find their way around more easily.

"It has also been great to find out more about the history of the some of the Oxhey Village road signs that commemorate the town’s key historical figures."

Oxhey Avenue restored

Hertfordshire county councillor for Central Watford and Oxhey, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, said: "The county and borough councillors used their locality budgets to fund the renovation of these street name signs to ensure that the original signs were retained.

"With the removal of accumulated layers of paint and rust, it now reveals the wonderful sharpness of the original lettering and brings them back to the condition they were during the 19th century."

The restoration was carried out by Murrill Construction Ltd.