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 Date
Clarence Street/Groundwell Road: Empire Theatre 1916

One of Swindon's many theatres. Wives and children of men in the forces attending a free show with refreshments at the theatre, courtesy of Raggy Powell, a well known local 'Rag and Bone' merchant, character and philanthropist

 March 1, 1916 Then
Stanley Street Working Mens Club WWI

Inside the Stanley Street Working Men's Club sometime during the First World War. We can see a MSWJR timetable and a poster 'Remember Belgium'

 July 1, 1916 Then
Faringdon Road/Milton Road Swimming Baths in use by Red Cross during WWI

The Milton Road Baths were used as a hospital for the many casualties of World War One

 July 1, 1915 Then
Victoria Road:The Royal Field Artillery 1914

Members of the Royal Field Artillery in Victoria Road en route to the Drill Hall to prepare to go to the Great War

 August 1, 1914 Then
Newport Street: Swindon Town Station 1914

The Mayor of Swindon, Alderman C Hill, and dignitaries bid farewell to men of Royal Field Artillery. Many will never be seen again. Amongst the men is Sgt William Gosling of Wroughton, who later won the VC in France in 1917

 August 5, 1914 Then