The Watford Observer is again delighted to be teaming up with its friends at Watford Museum to take another journey back to the past to recall the key events and dates that helped shape the town’s future.
The 30th part of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' looks back to when the town was hit by serious flooding.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "Major flooding in Watford is not as common as it used to be.
"In this photograph by Downer, a big flood occurred in June 1903 - one of many recorded by him.
"The Watford Observer reported that heavy rain had fallen over several days throughout the country and not only did rivers rise but road and rail traffic was disrupted.
A bread delivery taking place in Lower High Street during the 1903 floods
"In Watford, people need help to leave their homes and the only way to pass along the High Street near to the Colne was by carriage, cart or bus. In places water was 2ft deep and even reached the top of cart wheels.
"Obviously, businesses were unable to trade for several days and stock would have been damaged. Pubs in the area were flooded too including the Wheatsheaf, Angel and just beyond the bus, the aptly named Anglers!"
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.
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