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.
Part 34 of '50 events and dates that shaped Watford' looks back at the construction of one of the first buildings in Market Street - Holy Rood Church.
The museum's volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "A new building, Holy Rood Church in Market Street, began construction in 1889 with the foundation stone being laid at the end of August – an event which had been delayed by two months.
A Downer postcard of the church
"The building work must have been among the very earliest started in Market Street. The road had only been cut through in 1888 and plots of land put up for public auction in late spring 1889.
"Initially, it was decided that construction should have priority over decoration in order to allow worship in the new church to begin as soon as could be managed. This practical plan meant that the first services could begin in autumn 1890.
An early view of the inside of Holy Rood by Downer
"Much interior and exterior work followed, including the tower which did not begin to be built until 1894."
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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