The car park ‘spiral’ is a well-known architectural feature of Watford’s ring road but in the past the land was home to a large hall that’s functions included livestock auctions to hosting touring theatre companies.

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 the building that became known as the Drill Hall.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “A large hall, ‘a triton among the minnows’, was built in 1870 where the Palace car park 'spiral' is today. Originally the Agricultural Hall, it hosted livestock auctions.

Watford Observer: Clarendon Hall c1910s was later renamed Drill HallClarendon Hall c1910s was later renamed Drill Hall (Image: Watford Museum)

“In 1882, Watford Baths company installed nine baths in the gallery and ten years later, renamed the Clarendon Hall, it was used by touring theatrical companies.

Watford Observer: A 1914 Ordnance Survey map showing the location of Clarendon Hall.A 1914 Ordnance Survey map showing the location of Clarendon Hall. (Image: Watford Museum)

“It was sold in March 1909 to the Army Council and became known as the Drill Hall. I believe it was demolished in 1960s or 70s.”

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