Memories of Lower High Street shops above a railway line

The Watford Observer has again linked up with its friends at Watford Museum to look back at structures, objects or businesses from the town’s past that have either disappeared or been relocated and this week we recall a parade of shops that overhung a railway line.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “If it wasn’t for the railway station building on Lower High Street many people may not be aware that the rail line runs under the main road.

The railway line runs beneath Lower High Street (Image: Watford Museum)

“The Lower High Street used to be narrow at this point. There was a little parade of shops directly opposite the station so at this time it must have seemed even more hidden.

“The shops seem quite small and I believe the rear of the parade overhung the railway line.

“They were demolished (among other buildings) in the early 1970s in preparation for a further phase of ring-road development.”

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