Archive Films

Local TV production company AVP Studios are putting the finishing touches to the second volume of their DVD series 'Swindon Through the Decades' which features never before-seen cine footage filmed in and around the town over the last 50 years.

Extended footage from the first volume released in March can be seen online by clicking the link below.

AVP Studios have once again kindly given us access to some of the original raw cine footage of which edited highlights will be included on the new DVD, and it's yet more fascinating video material showing Swindon in years gone by.

The films both hail from the Borough of Swindon's Diamond Jubilee year of 1960 and are in two parts. They are available to view in streaming Real Video below.

'Home Town'

The first film which was produced by Swindon Borough Council runs for approximately 30 minutes, features occasional narration and is entitled 'Home Town'.

'Home Town': Swindon station in 1960

It begins with a car journey from Cricklade right into Swindon town centre taking in well-known areas such as Penhill, Gorse Hill and Groundwell Road along the way.

Highlights of 'Home Town' include the building of Swindon College and panoramic shots of the town from the roof, a 'stroll' down Regent Street and a carnival procession organised by The Swindon and District Round Table.

Of particular historical interest comes in Part Two which features a train ride from Swindon's central railway station up to the then soon-to-close Old Town station. The journey was known as 'the Swindon loop'.

Virtually every corner of the town centre of the time is covered in this film which will fascinate anyone who knows Swindon. 

Aerial views

The second film is approximately 25 minutes in length, untitled and silent, but features captions.

Railway workers at Rodbourne Road bridge in 1960

It concentrates on the modernisation being carried out in the town at the time and details the building of the Walcot housing estate, the extension of Barnfield Road sewage works and the building of Devizes Road car park in Old Town among other developments.

A particular highlight is footage shot within an aeroplane high above Swindon showing fascinating aerial views of the town.

This film proves that Swindon has been in a perpetual work-in-progress state for years!

In order to produce future DVDs, AVP Studios are very keen to obtain similar cine footage of Swindon in days gone by. If you think you can help, contact them on (01793) 436735 or visit their website via the link on the right.