Book charting the history of Swindon’s pubs to raise money for local charity

A book which raises a glass to Swindon’s best-known former alehouses will be officially unveiled at Central Library on Saturday (19 Oct).

‘Last Orders’ is the culmination of four years’ of meticulous research by local historian and researcher John Stooke to trace the history of 120 local pubs and beer houses from the year 1700 onwards, which have now since disappeared.

Mr Stooke, who worked alongside Swindon Libraries’ Local Studies team to bring his research to life, has written the book in support of Swindon Women’s Aid (www.swindonwomensaid.org). The book is priced at £10 and Mr Stooke will directly donate £3 from the sale of each book to the charity.

Four hundred pages long, ‘Last Orders’ includes 800 pictures and is an impressive historical record of Swindon’s favourite pubs from yesteryear.

The book launch will take place at the Regent Circus library at 11am and is free to attend.

Natasha Moyles, spokesperson for Swindon Women’s Aid, said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as the beneficiary of this fascinating project.

“It is a continuing challenge to raise adequate funds for the essential work we do locally. Initiatives such as John’s enable us to continue to help more victims of domestic abuse within Swindon.”

Swindon’s Local Studies Librarian Darryl Moody said: “This is a fantastic project which has generated a great deal of interest.

“So many people have shared their stories with John and the result is a remarkable book destined to become an invaluable resources for any Swindonian looking to understand our town’s history.”