Although its appearance has changed several times during its history, the pond has been a constant feature in the story of Watford’s ever evolving High Street.

It’s had rockeries and statues added to it, a bridge built over it, has been the focal point of Watford FC promotion celebrations and even featured in a legendary music star’s calendar – the pond has been a key feature of life in Watford for at least 180 years.

In an article about the pond’s history published by the Watford Observer in February 2022, Watford Museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: "It is not known exactly when the pond at the top of the high street was given a particular boundary.

"With the St Albans to Rickmansworth road running across Watford’s single main road it must have been an important place for animals to take on water.

The pond in the early 1900s in what was then a rural-looking environmentThe pond in the early 1900s in what was then a rural-looking environment (Image: Watford Museum)

"It is shown on the tithe map of the 1840s with a distinct border, so it must have been well established by this time.

In the early 1900s fencing was extended around the whole pond In the early 1900s fencing was extended around the whole pond (Image: Watford Museum)

"Over many years the pond has been adapted to different uses from the practical to a place to meet and relax.”

The pond at night, likely taken in the late-1950sThe pond at night, likely taken in the late-1950s (Image: Sean McCarthy/'We grew up in Watford' Facebook)

Take a look through these 16 pictures from a variety of sources showing the face of the pond has changed since the start of the 20th century.

A rockery was added to the pond in the 1960sA rockery was added to the pond in the 1960s (Image: Watford Museum)

The pond in September 1966 The pond in September 1966 (Image: Watford Observer)

An undated view from a higher vantage pointAn undated view from a higher vantage point (Image: Richard Massara/'We grew up in Watford' Facebook)

Watford fans celebrating the club's historic promotion to Division Two in April 1969Watford fans celebrating the club's historic promotion to Division Two in April 1969 (Image: Watford Observer)

Elton John in relaxed mood by the pond in his iconic 1978 calendarElton John in relaxed mood by the pond in his iconic 1978 calendar (Image: Malcolm Orvis/Watford Museum)

It's party time in the pond after the Hornets are promoted to Division One for the first time in May 1982It's party time in the pond after the Hornets are promoted to Division One for the first time in May 1982 (Image: Watford Observer)

A scene from November 1984A scene from November 1984 (Image: Watford Observer)

1) Two girls climb across the edge of the pond in the snow in February 19941) Two girls climb across the edge of the pond in the snow in February 1994 (Image: Watford Museum)

Another facelift is underway in 2012Another facelift is underway in 2012 (Image: Holly Cant/Watford Observer)

The bridge over the pond in 2014The bridge over the pond in 2014 (Image: Holly Cant/Watford Observer)

A more modern-day look to the pond from 2018A more modern-day look to the pond from 2018 (Image: Holly Cant/Watford Observer)

The pond floral features from 2020The pond floral features from 2020 (Image: Lynda Bullock / Watford Observer Camera Club)

It's promotion celebration time again in 2021It's promotion celebration time again in 2021 (Image: Watford Observer)