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

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.[1] It contained the UK’s first lending library and provided health services to workers.[1] 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. "Mechanics Institute, Swindon". Victorian Society. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  2. "Swindon Mechanics' Institute". Victorian Society. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  3. "Mechanics Trust: History- 2002 to present". Retrieved 27 October 2012.

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