Description
The Great Western Railway (GWR) was built in stages, starting in 1835, with the line opening between Paddington and Faringdon Road (later Challow) in 1840. By December of that year, the line reached Hay Lane near Wootton Bassett, passing north of Swindon. Swindon was key because it was located at the summit of the line, and a locomotive change was needed there to continue the journey.
In 1841, Swindon became a major railway hub when the GWR extended its line to Chippenham. The station, built by J. & C. Rigby, also included maintenance facilities for locomotives. Due to financial issues, Rigby agreed to give the station to the GWR for free in exchange for leasing the refreshment rooms. This led to trains regularly stopping at Swindon for a 10-minute break and engine change.
Swindon station officially opened in 1842 the date we feature on the clock along with the now iconic GWR logo and quickly became famous for its excellent service, even attracting royal visitors. The station operated this way until 1895, when locomotive changes were no longer needed. The original building was demolished in 1972, and today’s modern station stands in its place.
