This event is hosted by The Swindon Society. From its very beginnings the Society has attempted to record the social history of the area as shown by the camera since the 1850's. The collection contains photographic material on many subjects including the GWR Swindon, Swindon Tramway system, Wilts & Berks Canal, Swindon in both World […]
Philip Garrahan will contrast Swindon’s reputation for railway engineering with its important social history. It was once a complete company town, when the outside observer could be forgiven for thinking the GWR and Swindon were the same. The new town was built on a greenfield site […]
Philip Garrahan will contrast Swindon’s reputation for railway engineering with its important social history. It was once a complete company town. When the outside observer could be forgiven for thinking the GWR and Swindon were the same. The new town was built on a greenfield site with innovations in its Railway Village, Medical Social Fund, Mechanics’ Institute, Art School and much more. Our modern nostalgia about railways may overlook how distinctive Swindon […]
'Collett Revisited' New insights into the glorious career, extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the Great Western Railway engineer. An illustrated talk by Graham Carter and Michael Roberts Cost Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry Guests – £5.00 Entry Membership Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our […]
GWR's Railway Village, “New Swindon", was barely half-built and the Works still modest in extent when land was earmarked for a “park” in 1844. What does this tell us about the Company, its workers and their families, and prevailing Victorian values? And what were typical Victorian and Edwardian sporting and leisure activities anyway? Mary Thornton […]
Well known local historian and author John Stooke is fascinated by the way that retailing has changed in the last 20 years compared to what a little change there was between 1880 and 1990. Throughout these years, food, drink, clothing, homeware, and hardware were delivered to the general public via small, often independent businesses, what […]
