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.

Titlesort icon Description Date
WWII, Newport Street, Swindon Town Station, Mayor & US Army, 1945

Old Town (Swindon Town) railway station on 23rd April 1945, with the Mayor and Mayoress, Ald. and Mrs C.S. Macpherson bidding farewell to Col. Hewitt-Robinson of the US Army, when he and his troops departed from the station.

 April 23, 1945 Then
WWII, Mobile Canteen, 1944

A mobile canteen trailer which had been presented to the National Fire Service in Swindon on 10th June 1944 by the Canadian Red Cross. The sign on the side shows that a Mr and Mrs A. Bronfman from Montreal in Canada had paid for the trailer.

 June 10, 1944 Then
WWI, Portrait, Macpherson Brothers, 1918

This photograph was taken by the Swindon firm of Protheroe and Simons of the three Macpherson brothers on leave together. It shows John (Royal Flying Corps), Charles (South Lancs. Regiment) and George (unknown). Charles went on to become the Mayor of Swindon in 1944.

 June 1, 1918 Then
Wroughton, Spencers Farm, The Old Firm Buses, 1935

'The Old Firm' Buses pictured at their depot Spencers farm in Wroughton, which ran a service from To Temple Street Swindon. It was a Hawkins family affair with Father - Teddy sons George, Dennis, Leonard and Ralph. The daughters Margery, kept house at their home on High Street, Doris driving a bus and Linda who collected the fares. Mr Ted Hawkins held the carriers licence and ensured that the Swindon Corporation buses could only come as far as the Black Horse public house - Swindon Borough boundary. As 'The Old Firm' busses were not allowed to pick up passengers from Croft Road or Old Town, the Bristol Omnibus Company were stopped from picking up in Wroughton. The Bristol Omnibus Co. took over the route in 1955.

 June 1, 1935 Then
Wroughton, Spencers Farm, The Old Firm Buses, 1935

'The Old Firm' Buses pictured at their depot Spencers farm in Wroughton, which ran a service from To Temple Street Swindon. It was a Hawkins family affair with Father - Teddy sons George, Dennis, Leonard and Ralph. The daughters Margery, kept house at their home on High Street, Doris driving a bus and Linda who collected the fares. Mr Ted Hawkins held the carriers licence and ensured that the Swindon Corporation buses could only come as far as the Black Horse public house - Swindon Borough boundary. As 'The Old Firm' busses were not allowed to pick up passengers from Croft Road or Old Town, the Bristol Omnibus Company were stopped from picking up in Wroughton. The Bristol Omnibus Co. took over the route in 1955.

 June 1, 1935 Then