Then And Now

This section of the site is provided in partnership with The Swindon Society and The Richard Jefferies Society. It enables you to see how the surrounding area used to look and learn more about your town. We are adding value by providing a current photograph taken as far as possible from the same position. The project involves a fair bit of detective work, so if you can add or correct information, please get in touch. This is your site, so if you would like to get involved in extending this project, please let us know.

Title Description Datesort icon
GWR, Locomotive, Broad Gauge, 'Swallow'

Locomotive 4-2-2 'Rover' class broad gauge 'Swallow' is a remake of Gooch's original 'Iron Duke' class, which were used to pull most of the important express services until broad gauges are abolished in 1892. Note no date is given so we estimated one.

 June 1, 1880 Then
GWR, Works, Early Engine Driver on the footplate

An early engine driver and his fireman on the footplate with the works in the background. (Date is estimated)

 June 1, 1880 Then
Marlborough Road, Coate Road, Turnpike House, 1800

This picture shows the junction of Marlborough Road, formerly Coate Road, with Broome Manor Lane, which branches of to the right. The founder of The Swindon Advertiser, William Morris, is talking to Mr Skinner keeper of the turnpike.

 June 1, 1880 Then
Bands, 'F' & 'G' Companies, Battalion of the Rifle Volunteers, Wiltshire Regiment, 1880

The band of the 'F' & 'G' Companies, of a Battalion of the Rifle Volunteers, Wiltshire Regiment, outside the Mechanics Institute, c. 1880.

 June 1, 1880 Then
Old Mill Lane 2, The Goddard Family

Ambrose Lethbridge Goddard, Lord of the Manor of Swindon, seated third from left next to his wife Charlotte

 July 1, 1880 Then