SWINDON celebrated its railway heritage this morning with a royal visit.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, officially unveiled a plaque to mark the naming of the area outside the railway station.

Sir Daniel Gooch Place, as it is now to be known, will act as a reminder to future generations of the pivotal role played by the railway icon in Swindon’s history.

It was Sir Daniel’s letter to Isambard Kingdom Brunel on September 13, 1840, when he was a 24-year-old railway superintendent, that set out why the engineering centre for the GWR should be built in Swindon.

This led to Swindon’s development into a modern town being marked, this year, by the Swindon175 celebrations.

Fittingly, Her Royal Highness arrived in Swindon aboard a modern-day Great Western Railway train bearing the classic green livery.

She was met by the station manager and the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire before being introduced to local dignitaries inside and outside the station.

Crowds of children from Robert Le Kyng Primary School were on hand to wave flags and cheer as she made her away across the square.

Prior to the unveiling of the plaque, Paul Gentleman from Swindon175 paid tribute to the role of Sir Daniel in Swindon’s heritage.

“One hundred and 75 years ago the scene would have been very different,” he said.

“The railway works were being built and the town was going through a huge transformation - it was all down to one man.

“It’s a testament to Gooch that the foundations he laid in Swindon transformed this town.

“For a long time he has been in Brunel’s shadow and today is a major step in giving him the prominence that he so richly deserved.”

Her Royal Highness drew back the red curtains to reveal an impressive sign, made in a traditional railway style, sure to be noticed by anyone passing through the station precincts.

After the unveiling, Alice MacNaughton and Jayden Blair, both seven-years-old, presented the duchess with flowers.

She spoke with them about their plans for the half term holidays, drawing a smile and a laugh as they told her how much they were looking forward to making Halloween costumes and visiting Birdland.

Amanda Snaith, Year 3 teacher at Robert Le Kyng, said: “It’s fantastic for the children to be here.

“We’ve been involved with a number of Swindon175 events already this year so it’s nice for them to experience this.”

The duchess was then driven to the Civic Offices where she was met by leaders of the council to view plans for Swindon’s future regeneration after having a drive-by tour.

The route, taking in Fleming Way, was intended to give her a flavour of the town centre regeneration project.

Greeted at the door of the civic offices by the deputy leader of the council Russell Holland and chief executive John Gilbert, she was welcomed in to the Mayor’s Parlour where the display of regalia drew her attention.

Over tea and cakes she discussed the £750 million proposals, which are intended to transform different areas of the centre with developments including a new health centre, a bus exchange and a new museum and gallery.

“She was genuinely interested,” said the trust’s director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker.

“She said how impressive our art collection was.”

Mr Gilbert said the duchess was also interested in the wider socio-economic effect that the gallery would bring.

“It was very encouraging,” he said.

“It was very positive and she was very supportive of what we are trying to achieve.”

After the unveiling, Alice MacNaughton and Jayden Blair, both seven years old, presented the Duchess with flowers.

She spoke with them about their plans for the half term holidays, drawing a smile and a laugh as they told her how much they were looking forward to making Halloween costumes and visiting Birdland.

Amanda Snaith, year 3 teacher at Robert Le Kyng, said: "It's fantastic for the children to be here - we've been involved with a number of Swindon175 events already this year so it's nice for them to experience this."

The duchess was then driven to the Civic Offices where she was met by leaders of the council to view plans for Swindon's future regeneration. 

When she left the offices in Euclid Street she took the time to chat to newly-weds Craig and Rachel Bailey - report and video here