This volume explores the history of Watford from the earliest times to the 1970s. Set against a background of some of the major events in English history, it tells the story of how a small medieval settlement became the town we see today. Drawing on thirty years of research, Mary Forsyth provides a fascinating insight into the changing face of the town, the local characters who inspired and instigated its transformation, and the national events that shaped its development through the ages. Illustrated with selected images from Watford Museum and the author’s own collection, it will interest newcomers and local residents alike, celebrating the history of this major Hertfordshire town.
*** 'Footie book of the year.' - The Sun TROY DEENEY is best known as Watford FC's former captain and a thorn in Arsenal's side. But behind the successful and gritty football persona is a remarkable story of resilience. In this brutally honest and inspirational memoir, Troy shares what it was like to grow up on Europe's largest council estate, where his mum worked three jobs and his father, a notorious drug dealer, was frequently in and out of prison. He shares stories of self-sabotage, from simply not turning up to Aston Villa's football trials as a teenager, playing while drunk to being imprisoned for affray at the height of his career. But Troy never gave up, even when it meant playing professional football with an ankle tag. He went on to score 20+ goals in three successive seasons and became the Club Captain, an FA Cup finalist, promotion winner and Watford's record scorer. He also became an outspoken player advocate and - in an age of bland footballer interviews - is a sought after voice on football and footballers today. Engaging, endearing and insightful, this book is where Troy comes to terms with his turbulent past.
History of Warwick Twp. told in stories and images by present and past residents, starting in 1832, includes geology, early years, agriculture, religion, education, communities, businesses, government, sports, architecture, military, social, transportation, communication, disasters, memories, family profiles.
This book highlights the importance of Watford as a regional centre within South West Herts during the years of the Great War as well as the cohesion of the local area and the impact events and initiatives had on the entire region. The organization and presence of the Army are discussed before focusing on different aspects of civilian life such as the contribution of civilians to the war effort, the Police and Fire Service, the role of Churches, Schools and the Press and changes in employment and local businesses. As the War wore on and the magnitude of the sacrifice sunk in, hospitals and charities became more prominent. The latter part of the book presents these as well as the many public and private ways of commemorating the War Dead in the aftermath of the conflict. The distinctiveness of such Memorials reflects the legacy of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the artistic communities resident in Bushey and Watford.
A study of the many changes in women’s lives in an English town over the course of a century. This book shines a light on women’s lives in and around the English town of Watford, in the home and at work, in traditional rural employment or in dressmaking, textiles, and the silk industry. The lives of local women are put into the context of the national movement to address inequality and injustice, highlighting the often difficult existences of those employed in domestic service; the impact of poor housing and terrible poverty on women; efforts to redress the situation; and changes in social hierarchy. Individual stories show that there were opportunities for women to take control of their lives, some excelling as entrepreneurs—owning shops, pubs, and other businesses. During this time of immense social change, pioneering women within the community set the example for others to follow, whether as political activists and suffragettes connecting with the feminist issues of their times or as prominent members of the community dedicating their lives to the needs of others. The region was notable for fostering the talents of numerous prominent artists, Lucy Kemp-Welch, the illustrator of Black Beauty and creator of many recognizable war propaganda posters being the most famous, and women in the sciences, such as Harriette Chick, who worked in the Lister Institute in Elstree. Also addressed in this book are the growth of education for girls, and how contributions during times of crisis—from nursing to wartime factory work—led to the reappraisal of the role of women in postwar Britain.
Can anything good come out of Winton? The King James Version of the Holy Bible relates an episode in which Jesus Christ was choosing men to become Disciples. Phillip was sent to invite Nathanael to join the other followers. When Phillip informed Nathanael that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah, Nathanael asked, Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Nazareth, like Winton, was not a place in which one would expect to find greatness. The negative label that too often has been placed on small, rural towns and their people can become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Unless an individual has a healthy view of self, he or she may live down to the level of popular perception. I spent a fair amount of my youth living with the socially assigned designation of country kid. The inference of this distinction was that I lacked many of the virtues that were automatically attributed to city kids. That may have been true, but the net result was that it motivated me to prove that something good could come out of Winton. As Phillip did to Nathanael, in this book, we invite all to come and see.
