Global and local news in Watford Observer during its 160-year history

The historical pictures on this page give the briefest of glimpses into how Watford was affected by global conflict, as troops walked through the town in the 1914-18 war, while evacuees arrived at Watford Junction at the start of World War Two.

World War Two evacuees at Watford Junction in September 1939. Image: Watford Museum

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• The Watford Observer - 'a paper for the people' for 160 years

More recently the town was thrust into the global political spotlight when Donald Trump and Boris Johnson joined other world leaders for the NATO summit at The Grove.

The NATO summit at The Grove. Image: PA

This newspaper has covered tragedies in Watford, the 1996 train crash being one prominent example, and also times of local and national celebration, the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria is one such instance from our earlier days.

One person died and 68 more were injured in the train crash. Image: Watford Observer / Watford Museum

The flags were waving for Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. Image: Watford Museum

Watford has changed considerably over the past 160 years - the aerial image below shows how the heart of the town looked a century ago - and the Watford Observer has undergone change as well, but in the words of our very first editor, we continue to aim to be a "paper for the people".

How Watford High Street looked from the air a century ago. Image: Aerofilms / Watford Museum

• The Watford Observer wishes to thank its friends at Watford Museum for their help with the pictures on this page.