SWINDON’S vast array of historic buildings are being celebrated in a new book that shines a light on how everyday life here has changed over the centuries.

Swindon Civic Voice chair Angela Atkinson spent months thoroughly researching dozens of iconic and lesser-known landmarks to create a guide that shines a light on the town’s rich heritage.

These range from the 16th century Rodbourne Manor to the ‘70s kitsch of the Crumpled Horn - and even includes the Adver’s old home on Victoria Road.

Angela said: “Swindon has more than 600 listed buildings but I didn’t want to choose just from that list.

“I wanted to include buildings with a story to tell. The railway village as a whole is included with special mention of some of the buildings within it, as is only right and proper.

“I have also included others that aren’t necessarily as lovely to look at but have an interesting history.

“Some didn’t make it to the list, such as the Motorola building, which I would like to have included but didn’t have space. Indeed, choosing which to include was akin to drawing up the guest list for a wedding.

“I listed all the buildings that I felt merited inclusion and then had to start making tough decisions and crossing half of them out.

“I hadn’t planned to include the Brunel Centre until, in my research, I came across a review of it by architecture writer Colin Amory. I saw the phrase ‘Swindon has acquired a touch of Milan’ and my interest was piqued. I felt it had to go in after that.”

Norman Foster’s Spectrum building, Hugh Casson’s Wyvern Theatre, the Yucca Villa on Bath Road and the Boundary House on Beechcroft Road also made the cut - and the centre’s David Murray John tower adorns the front cover.

Swindon’s heritage has received national recognition. The railway village area is now part of a Heritage Action Zone which will bring in funding and expertise to revitalise historic buildings.

The railway village was also voted England’s favourite conservation area last year.

Coun Dale Heenan said: “I think it is fantastic that Swindon Civic Voice has taken the time and effort to put this book together to celebrate the town’s rich heritage. We must be more positive about our town and its history.

“These iconic buildings provide a link to Swindon’s past and that is why I am so keen that we preserve and enhance them so that future generations can enjoy them.

"Much has been done in the last year alone with the creation of the Heritage Action Zone to find a solution to the long-term future of the Mechanics’ Institute, the ongoing regeneration of the former GWR Carriage Works and work starting only last week on the transformation of the old Paragon Laundry buildings.

“We recently submitted a bid for £2m in funding for the Heritage High Street Fund to rejuvenate Old Town’s High Street, and work is going on in the background to bring forward plans to restore the Locarno.

"I would encourage people to buy the book so they can see for themselves Swindon’s amazing heritage.”

Save Swindon’s Heritage chair Sally Hawson said: “It’s always good to highlight our town’s heritage and get people talking about it.

“It’s important that people are are aware of the fact that these aren’t just old buildings, they all have a story to tell.

“There does seem to have been a resurgence and bigger focus on supporting Swindon’s heritage over the last few years and it’s a very good cause to champion.

“The Swindon Society and the Central Library’s Local Studies team have been working for years to educate people about our shared history, so it’s nice to have something else to add to the collection.”

Angela will launch the book and sign copies at the Baker’s Café in Emlyn Square on Saturday from midday to 2pm.