Many structures form Watford’s past have disappeared but few have created as much strength of feeling as the demolition of Cassiobury Park Gates.

The gates were built as the entrance to Cassiobury House and the archway above them had stood for more than 150 years.

But on July 24, 1970, workmen armed with sledgehammers and pick axes started the process of reducing the gates to rubble after it was decided they had to go as part of a road-widening scheme in Rickmansworth Road.

Various discussions and campaigns have taken place since about replacing them and in 1984 some designs for new gates were displayed in an exhibition at Watford Museum.

Watford Observer:

A Watford Observer photographer visited the museum to photograph the drawings and you can see some of the proposals, including a bridge and a temple-like structure, on this page.

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer:

Watford Observer: