Watford was first mentioned in an Anglo-Saxon charter dated 1007. It was well situated for trade in the early days because it was a through route from the south and to St. Albans and the Chilterns.
From medieval times the growth of London led to the north/south road being used more, especially for agricultural goods. By the early 1800’s Watford and surrounding areas became the main corn growers for London and carts would transport it into London. For many centuries Watford’s industry was centred round agriculture and a few small cottage industries.
The roads were maintained from charges made at toll houses along the route.
The main Watford railway station was built just to the east of the town and Watford Junction and is still there today. With the new road and railways the town and its industries soon began to grow.
The railway, today, is served by the West Coast Main line which connects London to the midlands, North West England and Scotland. There is also the metropolitan underground line but this is due to be diverted to Watford via Croxley Green which, is at present, unused.
Regular bus services connect Watford to Heathrow and Luton airports with Watford junction running frequent services to Gatwick and Birmingham airports.
Watford is close to both the M25 and M1 motorways.
Watford is on the Grand Union Canal and although this is now no longer used for transportation purposes it is still used for recreational boating.
Elstree aerodrome is about three miles out of town and private charters take off there along with a few holiday flights.
Leavesdon Aerodrom, north of town has been converted to a film studio and is now the home of the Harry Potter films.
Watford High Street has a lot of bars, clubs and restaurants and is the hub of Watford’s night life.
The main shopping centre is the indoor Harlequin Shopping Centre. Here there are restaurants, cafes, a crèche and over a hundred shops including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Bhs and Next plus a wide selection of smaller individual shops.
There are always properties to let in Watford with the following average prices:
A studio flat £535pm, l bed flat £635pm and a 2 bed flat £775pm.
The Watford Colosseum is said to have the best acoustics in the UK and was where the sound tracks for the Lord of Rings was recorded. It is now having funding difficulties but can be hired whilst the council decide what should become of it.
The Watford Palace Theatre, situated off the High Street, is Edwardian nearly 100 years old and has just been refurbished. It presents drama, comedy and an annual pantomime.
Watford is home to Watford Football Club, a professional team, with Sir Elton John a benefactor and former chairman.
There is also a long standing Hockey club with six men and four ladies teams.
Watford Central Baths have been demolished and are being rebuilt, when finished will include a 6 lane pool, teaching pool, four courts, a large gym, climbing wall, dance studio, crèche, café and function room.
The Leisure Centre will have similar facilities but on a larger scale.
Plans to improve the High Street have been approved.
With all the new renovations taking place in the near future Watford is sure to be an up and coming town.
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