Upcoming book inspired by Watford's more hidden history

Other historic sites and buildings, with their many stories to tell, are further afield and tucked away remembered only by the residents who have grown up near them and have heard the tales of these local features.

One of these stately homes and its associated estate is that of the Russell's House which is hidden away atop a good size hill situated along Greenbank Road. This former dower house (a house inhabited by the widow of the estate-owner) was possibly constructed in 1718 by the 3rd or 4th Earl of Essex as part of his family's Cassiobury estate.

Russell's Farm. 1784-1800. Credit: Watford Museum

Other notable inhabitants of this now grade II listed building have included William Copeland, former Lord Mayor of London (1835-36) and owner of Stoke Potteries, London.

Copeland was also an admirer of the work of painter John Frederick Herring Sr, who was known for his paintings of fox hunting, scenes of rural life and horses. In 1830, William Copeland offered Herring a house on his estate and commissioned him to paint his own racehorses which were stabled near the main house and let to run in the nearby fields which would become the Goodwood Recreation Grounds.

The Fox Hunt by John Frederick Herring Sr, c1830

This collection of paintings, many made of the Watford countryside, which Herring would have seen from the elevated views offered by the estate, were used on the well know "The Hunt" collection of earthenware produced in 1930.

Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Maharaja of Baroda, India, in 1919

Sayajirao Gaekwad III, The Maharaja of Baroda, was also an owner of the estate from the early 1930s until his death in 1939. The Maharaja (great ruler) served as head of Baroda, a state in present-day India, from 1875 to 1939, as part of the Gaekwad dynasty. On assuming the reins of government, he set about improving the lives of his subjects by enacting many judicial, agricultural, and social reforms.

During his residence in Russell's House, he made the acquaintance of many of the British aristocracy and was known for throwing lavish parties in the gardens of the estate and for the stable of fine racehorses he kept.

The Maharajah of Baroda, Lady Pamela Smith and the Earl of Birkenhead at a garden party in July 1925. Credit: Watford Museum

The unique vantage point of the estate's main house, being on top of a hill and overlooking the newly constructed Leavesden Aerodrome, helped it to play a crucial role in the war effort when it was used by the Home Guard searchlight unit to assist pilots in finding the airfield during night manoeuvres. This use of the estate by the local Home Guard may have also been the basis for the creation of the television series "Dad's Army" as Jimmy Perry, a member of the Watford Home Guard, went on to co-write the series after possibly visiting the site.

The Dragons Den, Goodwood Recreation Grounds, this year. Credit: Martin T Brooks

The estates nearby fields and woodlands are now Goodwood Recreation Grounds and have over time created many new memories and stories for the residents whose homes were built up around it.

One such local lad is Razi Hassan who has lived next to the park since 1988, when he moved there with his parents at the age of five, and who has many a fond memory of growing up there. He recalls: "Growing up next to Greenbank, Goodwood Park, Russell's House and the Leavesden Aerodrome made up a childhood full of adventures and mischievousness for myself and my neighbourhood friends. Summer holidays are etched in mind for eternity".

The Wizards Tree. Credit: Stephen Danzig

Carrying on the tradition of storytelling that his grandfather started, and to inspire the imagination of his son and his friends, Razi created the idea of bringing to life some of the Goodwood's furry friends through fanciful stories to inspire children and adults alike.

Carved bench, Goodwood Recreation Grounds. Credit: Stephen Danzig

Working with a team of illustrators and writers from the locally based marketing company Mustr, Razi is looking forward to introducing the 'Good Wood Gang' to the local, and wider Watford communities.

Razi said about the upcoming book: "We don't want to give away too much just yet, but there will be wise old owls, wizardly trees and lots of mischievousness, not to mention a dragon!"

The 'Good Wood Gang' map

This is the type of local storytelling that has kept the memories of our neighbourhoods and communities alive and which ensures they will be around for some time to come.