Well whilst trawling the net i came across the history of Swindon.
Very interesting as well. Such as did you know if it was not for the Marquess of Aielsbury saying no to a railway cutting through his land and therefore Swindon being the nearest area to a canal it was decided to go there instead, Swindon would not of become as famous as it has regarding the rail network and works shed. Thou by going this route the original line had to diverted 20mile to get here. The first rail repair shed was built here in 1841 and it gave 200 people employment and by 1851 over 2000 men where working there. Shows how big the works was becoming.
In 1867 it was decided that Swindon workshop would produce carrages and wagons. Thus in doing this they had to build thirteen miles of additional sidings, also various other buildings, making Swindon the biggest rail transport town in England.
1914 saw the works helping the war effort by building 12 howitzers.
By 1927 14,000 people where working here and also the main fabrication workshop was now 11.25 acres. one of the largest covered areas in the world.
In the 2nd world war years again it helped the war effort by producing tank turret rings, also they built landing craft and the parts for midget subs.
Sadly by 1962 the decline of engine building started, they where stopped but carrage and wagons continued all be it the origanal shed where these used to be built was sold.
So sadly the whole lot was closed in 1986,( be nice to know where the 12,000+ workers went and if the employment crisis was started by this closure?, were they the first area to hit a massive unemployment of their town people?, Wales did get hit hard i think, mines closing, GWR merging and the mines closing, now the railroad works) but one building was kept as the museum dedicated to the history of GWR, think one day i must pay a visit. The engineers office is now the HQ of English Heritage.
So thats my brief writings on it and to think if it was not for the Marquess of Ailesbury non of this history in Swindon would of happened. How much i wonder did he regret it?.
Anyhow to learn more then click on the links below.
Swindon Works - Wikipedia
UK Government Web Archive
http://www.blunsdon-pc.gov.uk/print/heritage-historyofswindon
swindon railway works pictures - Google Search
http://www.wowheritage.org.uk/nominations/nomination.php?NominationID=16
If you want me to find out about anything specific you read on the above links let me know please.
Phill