Watford Gap

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Watford Gap and the small village of Watford in Northamptonshire, is the traditional crossing point on the old east-west coaching route across England. Here, a natural gap in the hills affords the easiest route between the Midlands and South East England, as well as linking to the important north-south route provided by Watling Street. An important coaching inn was located here, and the building still stands, named as the Watford Gap pub. As of 2000, this was closed for business, and in need of renovation.

The West Coast Main Line and M1 motorway passing though Watford Gap

Nowadays, the village lends its name to the nearby Watford Gap service station on the M1 motorway which was the first motorway service station in the UK. Many modern communication routes pass through this narrow gap in addition to the Roman Watling Street (A5) — the M1, the West Coast Main Line railway, and the Grand Union Canal with its Watford Locks. Engineers throughout history from the Romans onwards have found this to be the most natural route through this region.

The village is often mistaken for the much larger town of Watford in Hertfordshire, about 80 km (50 miles) to the south.

[edit] Popular use

Whilst driving on the M1 the services are unofficially, and sometimes comically, known by residents of London and southeastern England as the point where the north/south divide occurs. The implication is that there is neither culture nor sophistication "North of the Watford Gap". Those living north of the Watford Gap claim that it is the point where humour, humility and humanity begins. Southerners respond by claiming that it is the line where well being, self respect and spirit end.

However, it has since become more popular to use the phrase "north of Watford", referring to the larger town. The reason for this change is probably due to the signs at Staples Corner, where the M1 begins, reading simply "M1, Watford, The North" thus potentially implying that Watford is the last place in the South.