Swindonian Blog Posts
Swindon news, views, history and culture
34. The Queen’s Tap Swindon 1842-43
The Queen’s Tap Swindon is one of two pubs situated across the road from Swindon railway station. Once known as the Queen’s Hotel, the Queen’s Tap was the first of the two to have Swindonians leaning on the bar.
Malmesbury marks English Civil War
Picture the scene: King Charles I’s Cavaliers are holding out in a Wiltshire market town when Cromwell’s men storm it. The result is a victory that sees the Parliamentarians take control.
Sheryll K Fox Swindon Artist
Sheryll K Fox Swindon Artist moved to the town twenty-five years ago. She was attracted to the town as it’s surrounded by beautiful Wiltshire countryside, yet has the convenience of town amenities. Although Sheryll’s known locally for her figurative art, she often sketches and paints ‘en plein air’ during the summer.
Young Performers Inspire at IWD
Young Performers Inspire at IWD. TICKETS are still available to watch young performers from across Swindon take to the stage. It’s a special performance to mark International Women’s Day 2024.
Oscar Wilde – sort of!
Oscar Wilde – sort of! What do I mean by that? Well, what I mean is a performance of Oscar Wilde’s, The Importance of Being Earnest – but as you’ve never seen it before.
The Cricketers Open Day
Step inside the beloved Cricketers building for an exclusive peek at the restoration work being undertaken by Swindon’s Heritage Preservation Trust. AKA The Mechanics’ Institution Trust.
Wiltshire Artist First Solo Exhibition
Wiltshire artist Caroline Day, well known for her floral artwork, is opening her first solo exhibition at the new View Gallery in Royal Wootton Bassett this weekend (Saturday March 2).
33. Swindon Railway Station 1842
Even though I’m a regular user of Swindon railway station as I embark on my frequent Surrey schlep to the grandchildren I tend to forget half of Brunel’s original station remains. My memory on this point isn’t helped by the modern station frontage with Signal Point behind it. Surely the only redeeming feature of that building is the large, red Network Rail logo it bears.
The Mousetrap is 70
The 70th Anniversary tour of The Mousetrap, the longest running play in the world, continues to enthrall audiences throughout the UK and Ireland.
32. The Garrard Factory 1920s
As I pointed out in my piece about what’s left of Old Town’s Corn Exchange, I don’t intend to go overboard with long-gone buildings in this Swindon in 50 More Buildings series. Indeed, I hadn’t thought about covering the Garrard factory at all. But one of Royston Cartwright’s fab Facebook posts about the business prompted me to think I should include it. After all, Garrard was a hugely important industry for Swindon.
Swindon in 50 more buildings
West Swindon – What the eye doesn’t see
Swindon – A Born Again Swindonian’s Guide
We Are Swindon
