To date, the borough of Swindon has received less HLF funding than many other parts of the South West. We are keen to help more groups with projects that will enable everyone to understand and appreciate the diverse heritage of the area, and we are currently working with Swindon Borough Council and Forward Swindon to encourage more applications.
Swindon’s roots can be traced back to the Bronze Age and was always an important centre for the agricultural and livestock trade, with the first recorded market held in 1259. However the growth of present day Swindon really began with the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, with quarrying for Purbeck stone, the arrival of the Wilts and Berks Canal and later the construction of the Great Western Railway Works in the town. By the end of the 19th century, Swindon was home to one of the largest industrial centres in Europe.
Whichever aspect of Swindon’s heritage you choose to explore, we want to help you to develop your project. To find out more about the assistance we can offer call us on 01392 223 950 or email
SouthWest@hlf.org.uk.