An enlarged detail of a 1956 air photograph from Watford Past. The long building in the middle is 177-179 High Street so the roofs and yard immediately beyond must be 173 and 175.

I am afraid I haven't found a clear photograph of the properties but the Watford Central Library has a more comprehensive collection of published works than I have - and also many unpublished pictures - possibly including some taken at the time the properties were being demolished. They may well have other documents - for instance there was presumably a detailed survey of the area made in connection with the plan to build the ring road - especially as this was the main area where the construction of the ring road involved the destruction of older properties - as most of Watford away from the line of the High Street only appeared after the railway arrived in 1837, so was less than 150 years old.

Another possibility could be any Railway books which deal with the Watford High Street station (not to be confused with the main line Watford Junction). There could be a picture of the entrance to the station, looking north along the High Street and showing both sides of the road.

On getting the above information Bryan added: Interestingly the reason for Charles Percy Bradley moving from 175 was probably due to his involvement in the Watford riot of 1879 (Watford Observer), when he was blamed for the death of one of his young employees who drown herself and 2000 towns people turned out to riot. His father also died that year which explain the 1881 census changes.