Sitemap
Watford » Public And Social Services » Community Centres
Watford Community Centres
Welcome to the UFindUs Community Centres directory!
About Watford - show infohide info
Watford is a district to the north-west of London, within the boundaries of the M25 motorway. The population of Watford is 80,000. Originally, Watford was a fording point of the Rivers Gade and Colne. Inns and facilities for horses and passengers sprung up. the name Watford comes from this tradition - i.e. 'Water Ford'. Watford grew under the manor of 'Cassio' which had 4 mills. Later, the town was granted a charter, allowing Watford to hold a weekly market. This allowed a number of villagers to cease growing on their land, and instead many became market traders. Throughout the middle ages, Watford remained an agricultural market. a workhouse was built to house and occupy the increasing numbers of poor in the town. The railway came to Watford in 1837, and was one of the biggest events in Watford's history as it brought in prosperity and people to the town. The population of Watford increased from 6,500 in 1851 to 19,300 in 1901 thanks to a mix of commuters living in the town, and workers employed in industries which had been created thanks to the railways. An extension to the London Underground was built to Watford as well; originally it continued to Croxley Green, however Watford is now the terminus of the line. Today, Watford is mainly a commuter town for London, though has some industrial interests in publishing, plus the service industry which employs a number in the town. The High Street in Watford is often known as the Cafe Quarter, due to the number of cafe's, restaurants, bars and clubs. The towns nightlife has earnt it the title of 'binge drinking capital of Hertfordshire'. The railway still exists today, though the sidings are much reduced thanks to increased competition from road transport, and the closure of industry due to costs. Watford Junction is an important stop on the West Coast Main Line, between London Euston and several important cities, including Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. In addition, it is served by Suburban services to Milton Keynes and Tring, and it is also a terminus for a number of trains from Euston. Additionally, the station sees trains to Brighton. Watford High Street station is served by suburban trains between Euston and Watford Junction. Watford North sees services between Watford Junction and St Albans. Nearby towns to Watford include Hemel Hempstead, High Wycombe, St. Albans, Amersham, Borehamwood, Barnet, Enfield, Harrow and Uxbridge.
Back to top
