Duncan & Mandy's Website

The Lawns Swindon

Search surnames for Swindon or all locations

Swindon Index All Swindon Photos Swindon Churches Index Main Index

The Lawns is now a park in the old town area of Swindon. It was formerly the Goddard family estate, but their house has now been demolished. Before Christ Church was built Swindon's parish church was Holy Rood , which was close to the house, and many of the Goddard family are buried in the churchyard. The family donated some of their land for Christ Church to be built on, which opened in 1851.

Most of these photographs were all taken the week before Christmas 1999, as were were walking through the park. The photographs do not convey just how beautiful everything looked, or the excited atmosphere as children played in the snow - a somewhat rare event in Swindon nowadays. Then the sun started to sink and the light dulled; the sky darkened and the snow became almost luminous. Wonderful!

Also showing are some photographs of the Swindon Festival Of Literature. This annual festival kicks off with the Dawn Chorus, held in the Lawns at sunrise in a spot where we can watch the sun rise over Swindon. A piper heralds the start, followed by the The Swindon Scratch Choir. Other activities include fire juggling and may pole dancing but probably the most welcome site at such an early time of the day is the stall selling hot cups of tea!

Click on thumbnail to see full size picture

The Lawns | Map |

Old Town