Swindon in the Past Lane

In 1900 the separate towns of New and Old Swindon were incorporated; Swindon Town FC were beaten two goals to nil away at Portsmouth in a Southern League football match in front of a crowd of 7000 and there were acting jobs going at the Queen’s Theatre for ‘Gentleman to play Responsible Parts; also Lady for Light chambermaids, to Open immediately.’ And apparently Swindon boasted ‘some fine specimens of manhood’ within the 30 strong police force based here. The average height of the police officers was 5ft 11ins with twelve men standing over 6ft while Superintendent P.C. Millard stood 6ft 2ins in his stockinged feet. So, what was it like to live here in Swindon in 1900? Call in at the Railway Village Museum, Faringdon Road this Saturday, and you’ll get a pretty good idea. Last month I took my granddaughter Maysie and Desmond, the Year 2 class mascot at Westlea Primary School. It was the first time I had visited the cottage since it opened to the public again in rece...

While 21st century Premier Division players complain about Christmas fixtures curtailing their party going, in 1952 Swindon Town travelled to St. James's Park, Exeter on Boxing Day, with a return match at the County Ground the following day. In front of a crowd of 13,620 it looked like Town was in for another defeat when the home team scored after 28 minutes. Under pressure from an all out attack by Exeter, Swindon goalie Sam Burton made a series of brilliant saves while centre half George (Garth) Hudson executed some timely interceptions. And just when they thought it was all over, Jimmy Bain scored followed by a goal from Terry Ryder in the closing minutes of play, making Swindon the first team to win at St James's Park that season. A victorious Town returned to the County Ground to do it all over again the following day, however the match looked in doubt when Swindon woke up to a heavy blanket of fog. The game eventually went ahead although at times spectators found ...

The County Ground, home to Swindon Town FC since 1896, takes pride of place in this photograph of Swindon 50 years ago. The 1958/59 season saw Swindon Town playing in the new Division Three. Bob Edward was top scorer with nine goals to his credit that season and a total of 69 during his time at the County Ground. This was the season manager Bert Head recruited Ernie Hunt, the club's youngest signing at 16 years and 182 days old, to what later became known as Bert's Babes. With an average home crowd of over 11,300 sadly Swindon Town finished the season in a disappointing 15th position, although well clear of the relegation zone. Development along Shrivenham Road had begun in the 1920s with building to the east of Drove Road starting in the 1930s. Drove Road was an ancient route along which drovers brought their animals to market at the old town on the hill. The modern routes of Queens Drive and Drakes Way have yet to make an appearance. A predecessor of the Magic Ro...