Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
40. St Andrew’s North Swindon 13th C
St Andrew’s North Swindon – Blunsdon to be precise – isn’t a church I’m familiar with myself. But a Twitter chum, Lee, suggested I include it in Swindon in 50 More Buildings because it’s a delightful church and little known. So here it is.
39. 20 Fleet Street Swindon 1897
20 Fleet Street Swindon is in a sorry state. Even so it warrants a place in Swindon in 50 More Buildings? For this once fine building has had a varied history. One that I think should be recorded before it gets into a worse state and/or ends up ruined like its near neighbour at No 24 Fleet Street. Otherwise known as the Public Benefit Boot Company. The developers actions on the windows of that building are an utter travesty. That’s with ‘enforcement’ apparently …
38. Old Post Office Highworth
As a building, the Old Post Office Highworth, as pleasant as it is, is I daresay unremarkable. But the same isn’t true of erstwhile postmistress, Mabel Stranks. For she and her wartime exploits are the opposite of unremarkable.
Malmesbury to Light a Beacon
Malmesbury to Light a Beacon to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day landings. The town of Malmesbury will join the international programme of activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings on Thursday June 6. This will include the lighting of a beacon as a mark of remembrance and respect.
Donation Allows Museum to Celebrate
A generous donation from an entrepreneurial couple who have adopted Malmesbury as their second home is allowing the Athelstan Museum to host amazing Anglo Saxon artefacts to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming King.
Introducing Swindon Heritage Preservation
The Mechanics’ Institution Trust has rebranded with a new public-facing name: Swindon Heritage Preservation. Our new slogan is ‘Conserving What Matters to Our Community’. Along with our new logo, we’re working with a local graphic designer to develop a new visual identity. An identity that includes all the buildings we currently operate, as well as some important heritage buildings and features of Swindon railway village and the WORKS area.
For Sale: Camden Street Art
LARGE colourful doors covered in street art by noted urban artists are being sold off at a Wiltshire auction house. Salvaged from the famous Camden Market in London the doors date from 2014 and a project organised by The Real Art of Street Art. The advocacy group provides walls and other surfaces for artists to spray paint.
37. Granville House Old Town 1878
Granville House Old Town – Swindon.
Often referred to as The White House this Grade II listed property deserves a place in Swindon in 50 More Buildings for more than one reason. And not least of which is that it’s a striking building on a generous plot with an actual stable block and coach house to its rear!
Wiltshire Author Launches Second Novel
Lis McDermott, acclaimed author of He is Not Worthy (2022), has launched her second novel Echoes of Drowning.
Lis’ third novel The Identity Enigma is written and awaiting a late 2024 publication date. Thus proving that Lis, resident of Royal Wootton Bassett, continues to captivate readers with her compelling storytelling.
The Choptank Old Town
So the last week I paid a visit to the The Choptank Old Town, Swindon. I’d heard that the place had a new chef and a new menu – now doing small plates – that I was keen to try. So last week an opportunity presented itself. Hurrah.
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
