Swindon is an important historic English railway town. In the 1840s, the Great Western Railway (GWR) transformed a site near the market town, which greatly impacted Swindon. It was the town’s biggest employer and had a significant role in its development.
The Great Western Railway Transforms Swindon
The Great Western Railway changed Swindon beyond recognition. In 1841, the population of the market town was 2,459. By the mid-20th century, over 14,000 people worked at the massive railway works in the town.
The Great Western Railway was founded in 1833 to link Bristol and London. In 1840, the Great Western Railway (GWR) decided to build an engine shed, repair and manufacturing works in Swindon. The next year, they also decided to set up refreshment rooms at Swindon for passengers waiting to change trains.
Swindon Station
The GWR made a deal with JD&C Rigby contractors to build Swindon’s railway station.
The trip between London and Bristol took four hours. Trains would stop at Swindon for ten minutes to change engines.
As Swindon was the only stop on the London to Bristol line with refreshment rooms, Rigbys had a tremendous money-making opportunity.
However, poor service and expensive prices soon gave the refreshment rooms a bad name. However the towns main taxi rank operates from the station so getting around is very easy.
The Works Site
The GWR Works in Swindon started as an empty piece of land and quickly became busy with many buildings, railway tracks, and offices.
The builders used stones from the local quarries on the hill that had been used for centuries, even during the Roman era.
Initially, the workers made wagons, but they soon began to build the GWR’s steam locomotives. The Works became well-known around the world for their high-quality engineering.
The General Offices
The GWR general office building was the hub of the GWR Works in Swindon. It was built in 1842 to 1843 and extended in the 1870s and 1900s. The building had an office that belonged to Sir Daniel Gooch, who was in charge of the trains at the Great Western Railway. There was also a room where some of the most powerful steam trains were designed.
Workers’ Health And Wellbeing
The GWR and its workers constructed buildings and facilities for the spiritual and physical well-being of employees, their families, and the local community. These amenities included a green park, a church, medical establishments, and pubs. The Queens Tap pub was directly opposite Swindon Station. It was created by Rigbys in 1842 as part of the deal that saw Rigbys build the cottages in the Railway Village.
As well as being important to the residents of Swindon and railway buffs, Swindon’s railway heritage connects with the founding of the National Health Service.
In 1847, GWR workers initiated the Great Western Railway Medical Fund Society. It helped employees and their families with medical bills and made sure the Railway Village cottages were occupiable. Subscriptions for the fund were subtracted from wages. It was taken over by the National Health Service in 1947, and the Medical Fund Society was managed by GWR employees who were voted for by their colleagues.
Medical Baths and Dispensary
The Baths and Dispensary combined most of the Medical Fund Society provisions under one roof.
Built in 1891, it contained two swimming pools, consultation rooms and a nedicine dispensary. In the following years, Turkish and Russian baths were added.
The Turkish baths at the Swindon Medical Fund Baths and Dispensary are the oldest surviving, functioning Turkish baths in England.
Regeneration Of The Works Site
As time went on, the GWR’s influence decreased, and in 1986, the Works (a part of the railway) closed down. Before final closure, many noteworthy buildings were added to the National Heritage List due to their historical significance.
After the closure of the Works, the building was repurposed as the head office for the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments. Today, it serves as offices for Historic England and English Heritage.
Since the Works closed, the council has done much work to transform the site. While some factory buildings have been lost, several significant GWR buildings remain and are put to new uses.
The cottages in the Railway Village are still occupied but the Mechanics’ Institution in the centre of the Village remains empty and at risk of demolition. The baths, park and church still serve the local community.
Other parts of Swindon have also undergone significant changes in recent years. The old rail tracks and industrial buildings that once dominated the area have been replaced with modern roads and car parks. These developments were necessary to accommodate the growing number of homes, offices, and leisure facilities that have emerged in the town. However, despite these changes, there has been a concerted effort to preserve and celebrate Swindon’s rich railway heritage. While there is still more work to do, much progress has been made in revitalizing the area and paying homage to its history.
Work continues reviving redundant buildings, and the Heritage Action Zone collaboration between Historic England and Swindon Borough Council aims to boost this process.
Things to See In Swindon Today
With Swindon located just 48 miles from Bristol airport, it is a magnet for international tourists wishing to learn more about the Great Western Railway and enjoy some of the town’s many other attractions. These include:
The Magic Roundabout
The Magic Roundabout is an iconic traffic circle consisting of five smaller roundabouts and is a testament to Swindon’s unique urban planning. It can be daunting at first, but navigating it adds a touch of adventure to your Swindon experience, or for the faint-hearted, there will always be a local Swindon taxi driver willing to drive for you!
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
The STEAM Museum is located in the historic Swindon railway works. This fascinating museum showcases the history of the Great Western Railway, featuring beautifully restored locomotives and interactive exhibits that bring the golden age of steam to life.
Lydiard Park and House
Lydiard Park is a vast green oasis steeped in history. The park’s serene lakes, woodlands, and the stunning Lydiard House provide a perfect setting for a stroll or a family picnic.
Swindon Designer Outlet
Indulge in retail therapy at Swindon Designer Outlet. With over 100 high-end stores offering discounts on renowned brands, this shopping haven is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of luxury and savings. After a spree, enjoy a snack or a meal at one of the outlet’s restaurants or cafes.
Coate Water Country Park
Nature enthusiasts will love Coate Water Country Park. This expansive park features a tranquil lake, wooded areas, and scenic walking trails. Ideal for a family day out, the park offers play areas for children, a miniature railway, and opportunities for birdwatching.
