The Watford Observer is again delighted to team up with its friends at Watford Museum to look at some structures, objects or business from the town’s past that have either disappeared or been relocated.

This week we recall the arcade that ran alongside a popular department store in the High Street.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “A covered way, almost opposite Market Street, was known as the Market Arcade and ran along the side of Cawdells’ large department store.

Watford Observer: Two views inside the arcade.Two views inside the arcade. (Image: Watford Museum)

“I believe the arcade was also known as Cawdells Arcade and there had been a mosaic over the High Street entrance with the words ‘Cawdells Arcade’. At the time it was photographed in 1973, the mosaic had been removed.

Watford Observer: The closing down sale signs on display in the windows of Cawdells.The closing down sale signs on display in the windows of Cawdells. (Image: Watford Museum)

“The arcade began at the High Street between Timothy Whites and Cawdells, there were shops along the passageway and on exiting the far end, you could reach the market.

Watford Observer: More views inside the arcade.More views inside the arcade. (Image: Watford Museum)

“Cawdells closed in 1973 and the store was demolished to make way for Charter Place. The area has recently been changed again and Las Iguanas is there now.”

Watford Observer: Where Cawdells and later Charter Place used to be.Where Cawdells and later Charter Place used to be. (Image: Google Street View)

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