The Watford Observer is again delighted to team up with its friends at Watford Museum to look at some structures or objects from the town’s past that have either disappeared or been relocated. Today we recall a farm that was located where two roads in Watford were later built.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Callowland Farm consisted of a number of buildings which were located between what is now Cecil Street and Judge Street in North Watford. This postcard is the only image we have of the farm.

Watford Observer: A rare postcard of Callowland FarmA rare postcard of Callowland Farm (Image: Watford Museum)

“A name ‘Calloweland’ dates to at least the 14th century and with such a long history many farmers will have farmed here. One notable name is John Toovey who in the late 1790s is known to have had Lea Farm.

Watford Observer: An approximate view of the location from Cecil Street in 2012. Image: Google Street ViewAn approximate view of the location from Cecil Street in 2012. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

“By the 1890s the land began to be sold off for housing although it seems the area covered by the farm buildings remained vacant and became the site for industrial buildings.”

Watford Museum is open Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm.