Watford - A Very Convenient Town

Approximately 20 miles to the northwest of central London is a town in Hertfordshire called Watford. Watford's humble beginnings may go as far back as to warrant a fleeting (although not by actual name) mention in the Doomsday Book, but it was mentioned by name in an Anglo-Saxon Charter of 1007 and it grew from a picturesque country town into the vibrant and bustling metropolis that it is today.

It has always been a convenient, easy to reach location, even as far back as the 1800's Watford could be reached by Stagecoach in just four hours and there were regular daily departures, each way from nearby pubs the Rose and Crown, Green Man and Essex Arms. Although at the time, it's nearness to London also brought about a dubious reputation involving bodysnatching!

However, Watford of today is still an accessible, easy to reach location. It has strong motorway network connections, regular train and bus services and has earned the reputation of being the fifth best connected local authority area in the Country. Watford Junction is just a short distance from the town centre and Watford is served by the Metropolitan line of the London Underground. Watford is also close to major roads such as the M25 and M1. You can easily get a direct train from Watford Junction to Birmingham International Airport and there are also trains (involving changes) to Gatwick. Regular coach services leave for Luton Airport and Heathrow Airport.

Many notable persons started, lived, or ended their lives in Watford, both Vinnie Jones, the footballer turned actor and Geri Halliwell, singer and former Spice Girls member, were born in Watford. There is one particular grave however, that has now been awarded a Grade II listing as a protected monument, that of former slave, George Doney. The gravestone of George Doney can be found in St Mary's Church and the story told is that George Edward Doney was captured as a little boy in Gambia and sold into slavery. He then came to work for the 5th Earl of Essex and did so for 44 years until his death, (c. 1758-1809) during which, according to the obituary and inscription on his headstone, he came to earn the respect of his fellow workmates and was given his freedom, which in turn entitled George Doney to a Christian's grave.

Of course, since then, Cassiobury House has been demolished and the former gatehouse entrance followed by being demolished sometime during the 1970's. All 190 acres are now known as Cassiobury Park and during 2007 the park was awarded the Green Flag Award, which is given to those recognised areas of best green space in the Country. The Grand Union Canal passes right through the park and it now is a children's paradise with a bouncy castle, a paddling pool, mini children's train track rides, play equipment, a kiosk where you can buy drinks and selected items of food, as well as an ice cream van.

There are many strings to Watford's bow, it's more than just a park, it is a thriving regional centre, with more and more people choosing to live in its urban areas.

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