Heritage list entry summary for the mechanics institute. The mechanics institution trust is passionate about the social and architectural history of swindon s railway village and the conservation of its heritage buildings. Secret swindon wiltshire and swindon history centre. The swindon society recording the changing face of. Everywhere in europe and the us social democratic politics has been trashed by nativist populism. The worlds first mechanics institute was established in edinburgh, scotland, in october 1821 as the school of arts of edinburgh later heriotwatt university, with the provision of technical education for working people and professionals. The mechanics institutes were used as libraries for the adult working class, and provided them with an alternative pastime t. Similar organisation are sometimes simply called institutes. The gwr mechanics institute, swindon postcard source. Although mentioned in the domesday book of 1086, the small settlement only had a population of 1,198 in 1801, at the time of the first official census. Swindons success story iet engineering communities. The swindon ln is based in a nonuniversity town covering a relatively small area, but currently has in the region of 1,500 members. We were taken there on a coach from our school in whitwell. Plans for swindon university run out of steam education.
In order to introduce the history of the mechanics institute building it is important to understand the history leading up to the development of the town and the formation of the institution. Get an ebook or audio book or create a borrowbox account. Mechanics institute could be saved by swindon councils. At the beginning of july, swindon borough council went to court and obtained a warrant to gain access to the building. Following the demise of the railway industry, swindon has diversified dramatically and, from a singleindustry town, has become a thriving centre of manufacturing and commerce. A briefing note to members of swindon borough council suggests buying the mechanics institute is something the authority might do. Swindon mechanics institute is grade ii listed building in swindon, wiltshire, the centre of a former professional institution history. Library development the mechanics\ institution trust. Mechanics institute, swindon sep 2005 it was a great place to explore, really great. Toolmakers collected together some books donated by friends and so began one of. The gwr set up a separate company, the new swindon improvement co. Surveys and excavations at kiln park in toothill during the early 1970s, found about 40 pottery kilns and in 2004, a dig took place at groundwell ridge.
Swindon machine institute 4k steadicam aka mechanics institute. Swindon childrens fete what a glorious weekend for the annual family fete which is organised by swindon s mechanics trust. Swindon history chronicling swindons rich heritage. A longstanding network, it was originally set up back in the late. So please, stop it with the regurgitating the museum could go in the mechanic s suff. A subcommittee was set up to negotiate with the mechanics institution with a view to using their premises as a basis for a public library. Council set to step in and buy the dilapidated mechanics. We meet on the 2nd wednesday of each month at goddard park school, swindon in welcome avenue, sn3 2qn.
Get an ebook or audio book swindon borough council. The staff will be happy to support you with any local history or family history enquiries. Mechanics institute, emlyn square, railway village, swindon, swindon reference. The petition calls on swindon borough council to issue a compulsory purchase order to the owner of the grade ii listed mechanics institute.
See why it was listed, view it on a map, see visitor comments and photos and share your own comments and photos of this building. People of swindon saving an important building that once made the town what it is. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Save the mechanics institute swindon home facebook. We hold printed and manuscript maps dating from the 17th century. The fact that theres so much in there to see, and the building has been expanded on various occassions makes for a mostly appealing mix of architecture and internal spaces. July, 2010 swindon borough council try to gain access to the building, on monday 5 july, to make it watertight and. The ground floor had a library and reading room, coffee room, messroom and baths. It contained the uks first lending library and provided health. History paid for via subscription by the great western railway workers based at swindon railway works, the building was designed and constructed by edward roberts and completed in 1855. And was shocked of the state of the place do not attempt to copy as it was very dangerous and disgusting it is.
Swindon railway works was opened by the great western railway in 1843 in swindon, wiltshire, england. In the meantime, swindon borough council is currently investigating the status of the ownership of the mechanics institute following the restoration of company forefront estates in 2018 and what legal options exist. The local studies collection for the borough of swindon can be found on the second floor of central library. The mechanics institute is the first chamber in the beating heart of san franciscos literary scene. Mechanics conference centre the birthplace of the tuc. Though it may be a way off, heritage campaigners have welcomed the possibility.
Swindon engineman hardcover december 4, 2006 by gordon shurmer author. A derelict building in swindon once used to educate railway workers has been put in. It came as an online petition calling upon swindon borough council to compulsorily purchase the grade ii listed mechanics institute hit almost 2,000 signatures. Library development mechanics institution trust, swindon. Mechanics institute swindon swindon history swindonweb. The mechanics institutions were a movement started in the 1830s in scotland.
Ever since it opened on may 1st 1855 the institution itself was formed in 1844, one year after the works was opened. Mechanics institute swan guildford historical society. The wiltshire family history society was founded in 1981 and aims to encourage the study of family history, including both wiltshire ancestry of people worldwide and the worldwide ancestry of wiltshire residents. The institution proposed that the scheme be given consideration after the war. Swindons war heroes to be recognised in new book by. New college swindon football club is a football club based in swindon, wiltshire, england. Mechanics institute, emlyn square, railway village. Read about the history of swindon and see specially selected. Mechanics institution trust, swindon support the trust. Mechanics institutes are educational establishments, originally formed to provide adult. In history geography economics politics consider the links between the mechanics institute movement and adult education e. It was built in 18531855 by edward roberts of london in a gothic revival style. Sources for local history wiltshire and swindon history.
The guildford mechanics institute was formed in 1862 by wealthy land owners and businessmen of. Bodleian library sets up in swindon books the guardian. In looking at the early days of the mechanics institute at new swindon we are studying a cradle which nursed the direct ancestors of our present welfare state. A level ancient history is a qualification highly respected by universities. Swindon borough council is told it can recover at least.
We believe that heritage can create unique, enjoyable places for people. Swindon s mechanics institution and medical fund society were pioneering in their provision of education, leisure, health and welfare services to the newly arrived, industrial working class families moved to the railway village to work in the gwr workshops. The legacy of a railway town rchme, 1995 hudson, k, transport history large, f, swindon retrospect 18551930, 1931 peck, a, the great western at swindon works, 1983 silto, j, a swindon history 18401901 the builder in 1 july, 1854. See more ideas about building, cathedral and travel. The mechanics institute in meadow street was designed by government architect richard roach jewell who also designed the nearby courthouse. The origin of mechanics institutes is attributed to dr george birkbeck, who in 1799 gave a series of free lectures for the working men of glasgow.
Swindons mechanics institute one of swindons most recognised buildings remains in a dilapidated state despite efforts, over the years, to restore it to its former glory. Swindon has a long history of association with engineering, starting with the establishment by brunel of the famous great wesern railway workshops. It is a fine example of a publiccivic building dating from the early decades of colonial settlement in western australia. Considerably enlarged 18921893 by brightwen binyon. A view along bathampton street, railway village, swindon. We want to recapture the pioneering spirit and character that created new swindon to. The swindon society recording the changing face of swindon. This institute, which is the major architectural feature at the heart of swindon railway village, is of considerable historic significance both for the mode of formation and for the range, importance and influence of the various facilities provided. After it closed in 1986 the institute fell prey to vandals and arsonists, and to those who wish to demolish it. Inside the derelict mechanics institute, swindon 2019. Monfri 9am6pm, sat 9am1pm closed on sunday and public holidays.
Later popular nonfiction and fiction books were added to these collections. About the swindon area institution of mechanical engineers. The original building erected in emlyn square for the mechanics institute was designed in a tudor style by edward roberts and was built of swindon stone with bath stone dressings. History of swindons most important building, the mechanics institute, now sadly. Its purpose was to address societal needs by incorporating fundamental scientific thinking and research into engineering. Swindon mechanics institute owner to pay for repairs bbc news. Image caption the institute opened in 1854 as an educational centre for railway workers, but closed in 1986. Swindon mechanics institute is grade ii listed building in swindon, wiltshire, the centre of a former professional institution. A journey through swindon s history including the gwr railway works, the origins of old town, roman settlements, the car industry, dday and chiseldon camp.
Jeff long contacted swindonweb from his home in tullahoma, tennessee, usa, when a book. It served as the principal west england maintenance centre until closed in 1986. Paid for via subscription by the great western railway workers based at swindon railway works, the building was designed and constructed by edward roberts and completed in 1855. He writes in the last five years, the 2oth century model of democracy has been overturned. You will be really surprised how much a centre of roman life swindon is and we really want people who live here to find out more about important local history from 2,000 years ago. During school holidays wed walk across the fields with our swimming gear under our arms to go tbaths. What is now swindon s old townor old swindon as it should be called. A large selection of ancient history books is available in the college library. The subsequent history of this building is described in the next section of this document. The mechanics institute is a grade ii listed building in central, swindon, england. As such, they were often funded by local industrialists on the grounds that they would ultimately benefit from having more knowledgeable and skilled employees. In my role at incredible edible swindon i have also had the pleasure of working in partnership with the trust to develop growing projects in the village. Swindon mechanics institute book turns up in the usa.
Although mentioned in the domesday book of 1086, the small settlement only had a population of 1,198 in 1801, at the time of the first official census, slightly less than the neighbouring towns of wootton basset 1,244, cricklade 1,333 and considerably smaller. Inside the derelict mechanics institute, swindon 2019 courtesy of thesecretvault. The protected buildings of swindon you might not have. Search for mechanics and other automotive services near you on. The finalised viability study together with the results of the conditions survey on the building are due march 2020. Mechanics institute, swindon sep 2005 derelict places. Although mentioned in the domesday book of 1086, the small settlement only had a population of 1,198 in 1801, at the time of the first official census, slightly less than the neighbouring towns of wootton basset 1,244, cricklade 1,333 and considerably smaller than highworth.
Maps are useful for landscape history, history of buildings or geographical features, study of transport, history of major movements such as industrialisation, studying changes to a locality. Books in swindon results 1 20 of 149 switch to map. Mechanics institution trust, swindon posts facebook. Mechanics institutes are educational establishments, originally formed to provide adult education, particularly in technical subjects, to working men. Feb 16, 2007 the gateway project, involving persimmon and redrow, the swindon and marlborough nhs trust and the university of bath, involved developing a large site at the southeastern edge of swindon, for a. The mechanics institute is best known as the birthplace of the british trades union congress tuc which was founded in the building in 1868 and is also the birthplace of the cooperative insurance society and umist.
The mechanics institute a hugely important building in swindon s heritage could soon be back in public hands. However the borough council decided to go it alone and the swindon public. This building was originally a mechanics institute. Yet one glance at the state of the mechanics as it stands today also shows that it is surely swindons most neglected building. The gwr mechanics institute, swindon postcard flickr. Mechanics institutes are the forerunners of public libraries and adult education in australia. And all these memories are evoked each time i walk in to the health hydro. The former north swindon mp will be giving us his views on the the state of our democracy. The modern town of swindon is built on and around a hill that stands over 450 ft 140 m above sealevel, now known as swindon hill. Nye bevan, mastermind of the nhs said, there was a complete health service in swindon.
Around two hundred years ago, swindon was a quiet and almost unknown market town on a hill in rural north wiltshire. We urbex swindon mechanics institute we are the first pepole in hear for years. Swindon social enterprise network is a membership organisation focused on supporting social enterprises and social entrepreneurs based or working in. Former mechanics institute, swindon educational images. The swindon society recording the changing face of swindon march 31 we have some beautiful weather recently and im hoping the town gardens will be heading towards full bloom like in this 1930s photo of the rose gardens, by the time im out of selfisolation. The stories of swindon s major families, writers such as richard jefferies, edith new, swindon suffragette and houses now lost figure here, alongside secret locations and tips on how to while away a happy hour in the town on a historical theme. What made the great western railways swindon works iconic. Swindon works by rosa matheson transport books at the works. The former rail building has been derelict since 1986. As with the hh in swindon, many local children learnt to swim in this pool. The history department has two specialist history rooms. However the borough council decided to go it alone and the swindon public library opened in 1943. The original building erected in emlyn square for the mechanics institute was. We look at the history of the building from its opening in 1854, to today.
But how did swindons mechanics institute get to this state. Then, in 1989 began a five year sponsorship with readers digest, changing its name to swindon pegasus brass. Books and journals cattell, j, falconer, k, swindon. Its location to the north of the marlborough downs and on the southern end of the vale of white horse, with access to the river cole and others, made it suitable for use as farming land. One of swindon s most significant buildings could be brought back into public hands.
With the closure of the railway works and mechanics institute in the 1980s, the band became part of the thamesdown community arts project and changed its name to swindon concert brass. The mechanics institute, swindon 1198947 historic england. Media in category gwr mechanics institute, swindon the following 10 files are in this category, out of 10 total. Haydon wick history item published in the topographical dictionary of england 1848 haydon, with haydonwick, a tything, in the parish of rodbornecheney, union of highworth and swindon, hundred of highworth, cricklade, and staple, swindon and n. Trevor cockbills 1988 book, finest thing out, puts the record straight in no. Background history library development proposals mechanics myths.
The roots of the mechanics institution go back to 1843 when the great western. Membership in the early months was 15 and the library contained 150 books. Today, this 235year old organization continues to serve and improve the quality of life of the people of the city of new york through its educational, philanthropic and cultural programs including its tuitionfree mechanics institute, the general. Filled with books, history, rich programming and writers and readers of all walks, youll be bathed in inspiration here, as i was on the many days i spent composing chapters of the orphan masters son, in the institute s comfy, leather chairs adam johnson, pulitzer prizewinning author. Jeff long contacted swindonweb from his home in tullahoma, tennessee, usa, when a book he bought online arrived in the mail. At the time, mechanic meant artisan, tradesman or working man. But all that is set to change thanks to staff from swindon libraries local studies team, who have painstakingly spent the past two years trawling through their collection of newspaper archives, parish magazines, the gwr staff magazine, local history books and school magazines to compile a list of those who gave their lives during the conflict. The library, which was founded at the mechanics by ordinary workers, predated englands first public library by several years.
The book begins with an interesting synopsis of the history of the town before the railway. Each room has a tv, videorecorder and interactive whiteboard. Read about the history of swindon and see specially. A book from swindon s mechanics institute library has completed a 105year, 4,000mile journey highlighting a proud chapter in swindon s history. The mechanics institute was designed, like most other public libraries of the day, to be a stock company with two types of membership. In 1835 parliament approved the construction of the great western main line between london and bristol by the great western railway gwr. Details on how to borrow and download an audiobook or ebook. Part of new college, swindon, they are currently members of the hellenic league division one west and play at the supermarine rfc ground in south marston. The mechanics library carried on for the benefit of the works and weathered rail nationlisation in 1948. History of swindons street names first edition by sheldon, peter, tomkins, richard isbn. Swindon borough council could take the decision next week to begin the.