Royalty Recognises The 'Father' of New Swindon 

The event was organised by Swindon175 who are celebrating the 175th anniversary since the 'birth of new Swindon' in 1841 when the Great Western Railway (under Brunel & Gooch's leadership) made the decision to locate their locomotive works here.

 

In the forthcoming years, as the town grew rapidly, Gooch (pic. right) was proud to be called 'the father of Swindon works' and by the same token he was also the father of New Swindon.

 

He chose Swindon even though there were neither readily available skilled workers nor homes to house them. He knew that he would effectively be founding a whole new town.

 

And today, in the best possible way, Swindon said thank you.