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
Cromwell Street, Market, 1892

The new open-air market opened in October 1892 in Cromwell Street to replace the old Octagonal Market. Now the Brunel Shopping Centre occupies this site.

 October 1, 1892 Then
Mechanics Institute, Medical Fund Hospital, Patients and Staff

The Mechanics Institute founded the Medical Fund Hospital. This is an early photograph of patients and staff, the child to the far left was Ernest Hobbs later to become the Hydraulic House Attendant and operator of the famous Works hooter. Note no date is given so we estimated one.

 June 1, 1893 Then
Drove Road: Swindon Tile and Pottery Works 1893

Drove Road: Swindon Tile and Pottery Works 1893. Well known local builder Mr Thomas Turner, proprietor. He lived in Grove House, now The Grove pub. The works provided many of the bricks used in old Swindon buildings.

 July 1, 1893 Then
GWR factory workers

Lives long passed. These were the people of Swindon 115 years ago. A group shot of workers in the GWR factory Tank (L2) shop in 1894. Top hats usually signified supervisors and senior staff, and bowler hats signified foreman.

 January 1, 1894 Then
GWR, Damaged Mail Van

This mail van as other damaged vehicles would either be scrapped or repaired at the Works.

 June 1, 1894 Then