Timeline
How has the town evolved over these centuries? Follow our timeline to discover the milestones along the way.
1940
1940-1950
Settlement of Polish refugees from the Second World War in Swindon. (Photo: Polish Day 1970s)
Photo credit: Local Studies (Swindon Libraries)
1948
Empire Windrush arrives at Tilbury and heralds an era of post-war immigration from the Caribbean to the UK. A small proportion of those early migrants come to Swindon.
1947
Partition of India prompts many families to migrate to the UK, including to Swindon.1950
1950-60
Swindon becomes a centre for engineering and electronics. Pressed Steel in Stratton and Plessey in Cheney Manor are two of the biggest employers.
1950-1960
Migration to Swindon of Southern Italians seeking a better life.
Photo credit: Local Studies (Swindon Libraries)
1952
Swindon is approved as an overspill centre for London’s population and work starts on estates such as Parks and Walcot for the newcomers.
1960
1961
The latest census shows Swindon population has grown from 22 000 to 92 000 in ten years
1960-70
Mr Riva Sharma sets up first grocery shop supplying Indian groceries in Graham Street.
1965
Polish centre opens.
1970
1970
Indian Workers Association set up in Swindon.
1970
Hambro Life Assurance opens office in Swindon. After mergers and name changes this company will become Zurich.
1972
Swindon gets on the map with the opening of the magic roundabout
1974
Nationwide opens new administrative office in central Swindon.
1978
Arrival in Swindon of ‘boat people’ refugees from Vietnam and Cambodia.
1980
1986
GWR Works close.
1989
Production begins at Honda in South Marston and the company gradually becomes the largest employer in the town.
1990
1992
Nationwide moves its head office from London to the Croft, Swindon.
1999
Refugees from Kosovan war arrive in Swindon.
Photo credit: Local Studies (Swindon Libraries)
2000
2000-2010
Nationwide opens administrative centres and call centres in offices across Swindon.
2001
The 2001 census puts Swindon’s population at 157 000 of which 95% class themselves as white.
2002
New Sikh temple opens in Gorse Hill.
2008
Swindon holds its first Gay Pride event.
2010
2010-2020
Nationwide becomes the largest employer in Swindon.
2011
The latest census records that Swindon is now one of the most ethnically diverse towns in the UK
2016
Swindon identified as one of the Fast Growth Cities in the UK.
2018
Swindon City of Sanctuary charity set up.
2018
Imtiyaz Shaikh becomes the first person of Goan origin elected to Swindon’s borough council.
2020
Nationwide opens new office in Kembrey Park.
