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 fourth item in ‘a history of Watford in 50 objects’ will be fondly remembered by many people who shopped in Watford - Charlie the Chimp.

The much loved mechanical ape, Charlie was the second chimp to swing in the window of Gordon Scott shoe shop which was located in intu near where Menkind is now.

Watford Observer:

Read more: A poignant reminder of Watford's social history

He retired from Gordon Scott and came to Watford Museum in August 2014. He’s currently not on show but will be once the museum continues to get back to normal.

Watford Observer:

Back in 2018 though, Charlie won Object of the Year for the Hertfordshire Museums’ Association competition, coming first in the popular vote by a clear margin.