Memories of Watford High Street businesses in summer of 1966

They were taken in and around the junction with Market Street and show some of the businesses that were trading in the heart of the town centre almost 60 years ago.

The sign for Findlaters wine merchants is clearly visible on the left of High Street and opposite that is a tailors and outfitters named George Doland.

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Although the major changes to Watford’s road system were still to come, it was no longer possible to drive the length of High Street as railings and seating was now in place at the junction with Market Street.

Railings and pedestrian seating across High Street with the Rose & Crown Hotel in the background (Image: Watford Observer)

The Rose & Crown Hotel – where a branch of NatWest bank is today – was on the corner of Market Street and beyond that on the same side of the road was Eddie Martin Shoes, The Turntable which advertised the selling of ‘greetings cards, stereophonic records and art reproductions’ and next door was Vista TV rentals.

Findlaters on the left opposite George Doland (Image: Watford Observer)

Vista TV rentals next to The Turntable (Image: Watford Observer)