Yet again Swindon in the Past Lane has been a little neglected in recent weeks as I begin work on my next book. The Ladies of Lydiard is due for publication by Hobnob Press in Spring 2020 and I am busy re-visiting and exploring anew the intriguing St John women who once called Lydiard House their home. For some it was base-camp, for others a holiday retreat and for several a place of sanctuary from a troubled marriage. These are the stories of women of status and influence who protected their estates through the vicissitudes of Civil War until in the 20 th century when, with the family coffers empty, Lydiard House was reluctantly sold and (fortunately for us) came into public ownership. At the moment all my reading is Lydiard centric and even during family outings my research radar is fully up and operational. However, with sizzling temperatures and two under five-years-old grandchildren in tow, any attempts at serious (or even sensible) research at Kew Gardens ...