The cars may be newer and some of the shops may have changed but this view of a major Watford road is very familiar even though the picture was taken half a century ago.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the Watford Museum archive and this week we recall this view of St Albans Road, near the corner of Judge Street.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “This busy scene with traffic and shoppers is of St Albans Road, looking towards the town. The view dates to around 50 years ago when Tesco had a corner shop at the turning for Judge Street.

Watford Observer: How the same view looked in May 2021. Image: Google Street ViewHow the same view looked in May 2021. Image: Google Street View

“Next door to them was Halfords and then I believe was a wool shop. Then the next shop, with the curved awning, was a newsagents as it is today.

“Other landmarks are the large square building to the left, which was for many years Rushtons insurance brokers, then later occupied by an estate agents and pub. The high tower in the centre of the picture is Christ Church.”

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