Railway Village Collection

New Swindon, 1847
Lithograph of New Swindon in 1847 with broad gauge locomotive, Fire Brand, in foreground. Swindon Works can be seen to the right on the image, with the Railway Village to the left

W J Knee, Newsagent - Emlyn Square 1929
W J Knee the Newsagent was located at the corner of Emlyn Square and London Street

Mechanics Institute c. 1914
An external view of the Mechanics Institute in 1914

Mechanics Institute, c1920

Stage production at the Mechanics Institute
The cast of the stage production A Trip to Juja posing in front of the stage of the Mechanics Institute Theatre

Fashion Show in the Mechanics Institute c. 1920s
Fashion Show in the Mechanics Institute c.1920s

Medical Fund Hospital Operating Theatre, 1947
The Medical Fund Hospital was established in 1871. It had a number of facilities including an operating theatre

Swindon town centre busy with shoppers getting new outfits and holiday paraphernalia prior to the Swindon Works trip holiday in 1934

Swindon Works staff and families exiting Weston Super Mare station during their Trip holiday in 1960

Reading Room pre 1900

Swindon Works and Railway Village by Edward Snell. 1849
An early watercolour painting of New Swindon by Edward Snell. Snell was head draughtsman at Swindon Works, later becoming assistant to Works Manager, Archibold Sturrock in 1846

Mechanics Institute Library Entrance c. 1930s
Mechanics Institute Library Entrance c.1930s

Boarded up shop / pub - Emlyn Square 1929
This boarded up residence on the corner of Emlyn Square and Oxford Street would have probably housed a pub or shop at one point. W J Knees the newsagent can be seen to the left of the image

Managers Houses (l-r, Marlow House and Station House) c1910
These managers residences or villas were built to the north of Swindon Station. Similar houses had once stood adjacent to the Railway Village but were demolished in the 1870s

New Swindon Mechanics Institution Trip ticket issued to Mr Hawkins for a train journey to Newton Abbot on July 10th 1903

Back yard of No 34 Faringdon Road - present day
No 34 was built in 1846 and is now the Railway Village Museum

No 34 Faringdon Road - present day
No 34 Faringdon Road was built in 1846 and is now the Railway Village Museum

Faringdon Road cottages - present day
This row of cottages was built in 1846. The cottage in the foreground is No. 34 - now the Railway Village Museum

Back ally of Faringdon Road cottages - present day
This row of cottages was built in 1846. The cottage in the foreground is No. 34 - now the Railway Village Museum

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"Stepping back in time: Exploring the rich history of the Railway Village" Take a journey through time as we delve into the captivating story of New Swindon's Railway Village. Established in 1847, this charming community has witnessed countless moments that shaped its identity. In 1929, locals would gather at W J Knee's Newsagent in Emlyn Square to catch up on the latest news and gossip. The Mechanics Institute, built around 1920, served as a hub for intellectual pursuits and cultural events. From stage productions to fashion shows, it was a center of creativity and entertainment for residents. The Medical Fund Hospital Operating Theatre played a vital role in healthcare during its establishment in 1947. It stands as a testament to the dedication of medical professionals who cared for their community. Before modern conveniences came along, residents frequented the Reading Room pre-1900 for knowledge and leisurely reading. This cozy space offered solace from bustling city life. Swindon town centre prior to a trip in 1934 reveals an era when simplicity reigned supreme. The charm of this quaint village captivated holidaymakers who flocked to Weston Super Mare station in 1960 seeking respite by the seaside. One cannot forget about memorable excursions like those organized by New Swindon Mechanics Institution Trip ticket holders back in 1903. These trips provided opportunities for adventure and exploration beyond everyday routines. Edward Snell's iconic work "Swindon Works and Railway Village" published in 1849 immortalizes the industrial prowess that put this village on the map. It serves as a reminder of how railways transformed not only transportation but also entire communities. As you wander through these historical snapshots, imagine yourself transported back to simpler times when life revolved around close-knit neighborhoods like New Swindon's Railway Village – where stories were shared over cups of tea and friendships blossomed amidst cobblestone streets.