| | EARLY HISTORY Old Watford |
 | | Watford from early times was the centre of an agricultural district and its market, which was granted a charter from Henry I some 900 years ago, attracted farmers and others from far and wide. |
 | | Agriculture and the market occupied many Watford residents, but industry included several wool and silk mills with their associated cottages for the workers, line quality handmade paper and straw plaiting and, of course, brewing for which Watford became well known. |
 | | Over the years the population of Watford showed little increase, but the coming of the railway in 1837 soon changed it from a small rural town to a fast growing industrial and dormitory area. |
| www.holyroodrc.com /history/oldwatford.html (351 words) |