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, Diesel Engine, Apprentices

Two Apprentices pictured next to an engine from a B.R. diesel locomotive in the late 1950's.

June 1, 1958 Then
GWR, 'A' Shop Workmen

'A' Shop Workmen posing in front of a locomotive they've built or maintained this was quite a custom. Note there is no date so we have estimated one.

June 1, 1958 Then
Wootton Bassett Road rail view north from Rushey Platt signal cabin 1950s

The view north from Rushey Platt signal cabin in the late 1950's.

June 1, 1958 Then
GWR Works, 'A' Erecting Shop, 1960

Deisel-hydraulic locomotives under construction here. This shop originally built in 1923 to build steam locomotives, but by this time the new work-bay was manufacturing the first diesel-hydraulic locomotives seen in this photograph. 38 of the 'Warship' D800 class were built.

February 1, 1959 Then
Clarence Street Groundwell Road, Empire Theatre, Demolition, 1959

Demolished in 1959 and replaced with Empire House.

June 1, 1959 Then