Swindon to celebrate 175 years

By Swindon Link - 27 March 2015

General

The birth of Swindon’s railway works almost 175 years ago has been confirmed as the catalyst for a series of celebrations throughout the town next year. Swindon Link magazine first revealed in February that plans were being made for Swindon 175, to mark the town’s railway heritage, and to involve the whole town in reflecting on how we arrived at where we are now, and to look to the future. On 25 February 1841, GWR directors authorised the establishment of the railway works in Swindon, after the town was identified by Daniel Gooch as being the ideal place for GWR’s central repair works. Construction started immediately and a new Swindon was born. A year’s worth of celebrations to commemorate the anniversary are currently being planned which will include a programme of events, but one of the highlights of the year will be the return of a flagship locomotive to the town from the National Railway Museum in York. King George V (KGV) was designed by Charles B Collet and was the GWR’s most powerful 4-6-0 engine. KGV was the first ‘King’ Class built at Swindon Works in June 1927, and was shipped to the United States in August 1927 to feature in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s centenary celebrations. During the celebrations she was presented with a brass bell and medals and these are carried to this day. This led to her being known affectionately by many as ‘The Bell’. A limited edition commemorative pocket watch designed by Old Town jewellers Deacons and a special ale brewed by Arkell’s are also being developed by the two founding businesses of Swindon to celebrate the anniversary. New exhibitions at STEAM to mark the 175-year anniversary of New Swindon and the huge role Sir Daniel Gooch played in creating the works and the town will also be held throughout the year. Swindon Borough Council is also keen to hear from any organisations, community groups or local schools who would like to get involved in the celebrations. Cllr Garry Perkins, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for STEAM, said: “Gooch’s letter to Brunel identifying Swindon as the best place to build the GWR Works planted the seeds for growth and acted as a springboard from which Swindon established itself as a progressive town built on innovation and vision. “The railway works gave Swindon an identity and proved to be a pivotal point in the town’s history. I am therefore extremely pleased we will mark this significant period with a number of celebrations that everyone can enjoy. “The return of King George V will be a particular highlight and it will be great to welcome home a part of Swindon’s heritage.” If you would like to get involved in the celebrations for Swindon175 please contact Ian Surtees on 01793 466619 or email [email protected]

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