Swindon Mechanics' Institute

Swindon Mechanics' Institute is Grade II* listed building in Swindon, Wiltshire, the centre of a former professional institution.

The former Swindon Mechanics' Institute (in the foreground)

History
Edward Roberts's original design for the Institute[1]

Paid for via subscription by the Great Western Railway workers based at Swindon Railway Works, the building was designed and constructed by Edward Roberts and completed in 1855.[2] It contained the UK’s first lending library and provided health services to workers.[2] It was enlarged in 1892-93 by Brightwen Binyon, after which the committee opened up its health services to other local workers. Nye Bevan, mastermind of the NHS later said:[2]

There was a complete health service in Swindon. All we had to do was expand it to the country.

After the Institute closed in 1986, and after succumbing to both vandals and arsonists, it was saved from demolition by the council. In 2003 the building was acquired by Forefront Estates, who have been served with an urgent works notice by the Borough of Swindon.[3]

References
  1. "New Swindon Institution and Market". The Builder. 12 (595): 346–347. 1854.
  2. "Mechanics Institute, Swindon | Victorian Society". victoriansociety.org.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
  3. "2002-present | The Mechanics' Institution Trust". 29 October 2009. Retrieved 23 April 2021.

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