The Watford Observer has teamed up with Watford Museum and its curator Sarah Priestley to take a journey back to the town’s past through items or places of historical significance.

The 14th item in ‘a history of Watford in 50 objects' is a poster of Benskins Brewery from early in the 20th Century.

Sarah said: "Watford was once famed for our brewing industry, and the poster shows the largest brewer in Watford in it’s heyday.

"There had been a brewery on this site we think back to the 17th Century, and it took on the now iconic name when Joseph Benskin bought the brewery in 1867.

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"Brewers were attracted to Watford by our water supplies and transport links, and Benskins was one of a number of important breweries and employers that included Healey’s, Sedgwicks and Wells. These were all eventually taken over by Benskins, which remained a family business until it was taken over by Ind Coope in the 1950s.

"Sadly brewing stopped here in the 1970s and the brewery building itself destroyed. What remains is the stunning mansion house that was once the home of the Benskins and later offices, before opening as Watford Museum in 1981.

"Many Watfordians still remember the smell of hops from the brewery, and we love to hear memories from people who worked here and remember the museum building when it was offices."

Watford Museum is now open to visit on Saturdays. Book your timed visit at info@watfordmuseum.org.uk or call the museum on 01923 232297