So much about Watford High Street has changed over the years but the pond is one constant, although it has also undergone a number of alterations to its appearance.
The Watford Observer has again teamed up with Watford Museum and is delighted to showcase some pictures from its archive – this week it is these images that show various incarnations of the pond during the past century and beyond.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "It is not known exactly when the pond at the top of the high street was given a particular boundary. With the St Albans to Rickmansworth road running across Watford’s single main road it must have been an important place for animals to take on water.
"It is shown on the tithe map of the 1840s with a distinct border, so it must have been well established by this time.
"Over many years the pond has been adapted to different uses from the practical to a place to meet and relax.
"The photo at the top of this page, roughly dating to 1900, show the early stages of fencing which separated the pond from the main roadway. But the area still had a very rural feel to it - the shopping part of the High Street started near Clarendon Road."
The pond in 2020. Picture: Lynda Bullock / Watford Observer Camera Club
Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm. No booking is necessary but Covid prevention measures are still in place to keep visitors safe.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel