Nostalgic snaps of journey along high street in summer of '66

The building of Charter Place let alone the Harlequin Centre was still a few years away but the transformation of Watford was already underway when these wonderful pictures were taken almost 60 years ago.

A Watford Observer photographer took a walk along the high street 58 years ago this month on June 14, 1966 to take this series of photos that captured how the heart of the town centre looked during a period in the town’s history when plenty was changing.

Part of High Street had been pedestrianised and a one-way system introduced, although the road layout was not as we know it today.

High Street with Findlaters wine merchants prominent on the left (Image: Watford Observer)

These pictures will also remind some readers of the shops and businesses that were around that time including Cawdells, Findlaters, Dolcis and Freedman Hardy & Willis.

The former Green Man pub on the left in between the banks (Image: Watford Observer)

Our photographer also headed out of town towards Croxley Green, stopping to capture a scene of Cassiobridge which has changed beyond all recognition today where Watford Road meets Rickmansworth Road on the edge of Cassiobury Park.

A great view looking down on Midland Bank and Cawdells (Image: Watford Observer)

The scene of Croxley though, taken from the entrance of what is now Rickmansworth School, is reassuringly familiar with the spire of All Saints Church in the background.

Looking across to Dolcis shoe shop (Image: Watford Observer)

Another shoe shop, Freeman Hardy & Willis, close to Marks & Spencer (Image: Watford Observer)

Turn left into King Street (Image: Watford Observer)

Cassiobridge before its transformation into a dual carriageway on both sides of the road (Image: Watford Observer)

Looking across from the entrance of what is now Rickmansworth School towards All Saints Church (Image: Watford Observer)