In the Middle Ages Watford was a small Hertfordshire market town, well placed on trade routes near London. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the arrival of the canal system and the railways brought industries to the town. New housing was built and the town expanded to accommodate the rising population. Beneath the surface of today's Watford, evidence can be found of the town's past, from the importance of religion and churches in the town's history and how crime was dealt with to workhouses and hospitals which have now disappeared. Some historic yards and buildings remain and Cassiobury Park was part of the Earl of Essex's estate, and the numerous famous names have been associated with Watford, not least Elton John. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret Watford will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this town in Hertfordshire.