The Riverside of Watford in Hertfordshire, Watford, England (B)

In the past the clear waters of the River Colne in Watford drew the printing and brewing industries to the town. Today the river has been incorporated in some interesting attractions.

Watford is the largest town in the English county of Hertfordshire. The arrival of the railway and Grand Union Canal changed an agricultural landscape to an industrial hub. Mansions and parkland gave way to mills and breweries. Today many interesting buildings have been incorporated into the fabric of this modern busy town. One excellent example is Monmouth House on the High Street. It was built as dower house early in the seventeenth century. His widow moved there in 1639 when he died. Today Bosleys pub occupies the ground floor of this impressive Grade II listed building. Watford was once famous for its many pubs both due to its flourishing brewing industry. The Watford Museum tells the story of Watford and is breweries.

Benskins was one of several important breweries that came to Watford at the end of the nineteenth century. They were attracted by the clear waters of the River Colne and improved transport links with the arrival of the railway and the proximity of the Grand Union Canal. Benskins was quick to establish itself as the most successful brewery gradually taking over all the other breweries. It operates as a family business until it was taken over by Ind Coope in the 1950s. When brewing ceased altogether in the 1970s the brewery building was destroyed. But the impressive family mansion remains and became the home of the Watford Museum in 1981. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).