By the end of the 60’s most of the current roads had been built, with the exception of the area to the North/West of Russells. Housing is steadily encroaching on the countryside, but Russell House still sits in a substantial estate.
Note – The prefabs that will make way for the Hollytree House development are still there. Alexandra School in Gammons Lane will become Orchard School.
1962 Beaver Pub
Many locals will remember the Beaver Pub that stood on the corner of Courtlands Drive and Gammons Lane.
Although the land had been bought by Benskins in 1934 the pub wasn’t built until 1962. The Watford Observer has a couple of articles e.g (1962 when The Beaver was officially opened by the mayor, 2024)
The pub was to remain open for almost 50 years, during which time it was used for filming, before it was demolished in 2010 to make way for housing. (Demolition of Beaver pub in Watford where BBC sitcom filmed, 2024)
“These images from the Watford Observer archive were taken more than 60 years ago on June 7, 1962 when The Beaver was officially opened by the mayor.” (Memories of The Beaver pub in Courtlands Drive in Watford, 2024
One claim to fame at the time was the safety advert filmed on the corner.
The “Take Longer To Look For Bikes road safety advert “was filmed by the pub. It is still as dramatic as when it was first shown.
1963 The first Greenbanks Care Home
After the Second World War, the House and surrounding land was bought by Hertfordshire County Council, who converted the principal building into an old people’s home and gradually developed the wider estate. (CoA, 2011)
In 1963 approval was given for the development of a care home (Greenbanks) north of Russells and it opened in Mar 1966, the first residents being transferred from Russells. (Home for Old People (61 beds) and staff accommodation). In 1998 the HCC care homes were closed.
An advert for Care Home staff1 Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
1964
1964 Map showing the top right corner of the estate. Lots of garages are now marked as car ownership increases.
Note – A huge hanger is also shown (left hand top corner) which would have been part of the airfield owned at this time by Hawker Siddeley. Leavesden Aerodrome was established shortly after the outbreak of World War II in 1940. The de Havilland company built Halifax bombers and Mosquitoes there. However, since 1995 the site has been use to make films and is now owned by Warner Bros.
1964 Greenbanks Development
This photo was taken in 1964 when the new Greenbanks Care Home was being built.
1968 Holy Rood School
“Holy Rood Primary and Junior Schools date from 1975 and 1968 respectively. They are larger scale buildings with outdoor play space and car parks.” (CoA, 2011)
After continuous pressure from governors, staff and parents, the new Holy Rood Junior School built on a fine site at Greenbanks off the Hempstead Road was opened in 1969, with the infants’ school following seven years later.
