The shops and businesses may have changed since this picture was taken after the war but the view will be familiar to anyone who knows Watford.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the archive at Watford Museum and this week we look back at this photo of this scene in Clarendon Road.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “This 1940/50’s view of Dudley's Corner, Clarendon Road, is very familiar although the Carlton Cinema, beyond the Palace Theatre, has been gone for many years.

How Clarendon Road once lookedHow Clarendon Road once looked (Image: Watford Museum)

“The shops have changed hands several times since this photo was taken, with some businesses moving to other premises in Watford.

“The Abbey National Building Society was at No. 5, next to the Fifty Shilling Tailors. When the Abbey moved, Martins Bank chose this as a temporary home in 1959, whilst their High Street branch was being built at 36 High Street.

A modern-day view of Clarendon Road from High StreetA modern-day view of Clarendon Road from High Street (Image: Google Street View)

“I wonder if anyone has any recollections of Martins Bank being in Clarendon Road?”

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