This remarkable picture is more than 120 years old and captured the scene as hundreds of people turned out to witness a special procession following the death of a monarch.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the archive at Watford Museum and this week we look back to this scene in High Street after Queen Victoria died.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “Crowds of people were photographed in the Market Place in High Street on February 2, 1901, by one of Watford's local photographers, William Coles.

Hundreds line High Street for the procession to a memorial service for Queen VictoriaHundreds line High Street for the procession to a memorial service for Queen Victoria (Image: Watford Museum)

“It shows a procession of various organisations as well as the Town's Urban Council and its chairman G P Neale.

“The procession was headed to St Mary's church to attend a memorial service for the late Queen Victoria.

This inscription from the back of the photo shows that William Coles had his own royal patronage. It is thought to have come about as a result of Princess Eulalie visiting Watford in around 1899This inscription from the back of the photo shows that William Coles had his own royal patronage. It is thought to have come about as a result of Princess Eulalie visiting Watford in around 1899 (Image: Watford Museum)

“Most of the buildings have been changed but the width of the Market Place area is the same.

“In the far distance is the building occupied by Five Guys.”

A modern-day view of the Market Place areaA modern-day view of the Market Place area (Image: Google Street View)

Visit the Museum Facebook page or website www.watfordmuseum.org.uk to see more historic photos.