A NEW age dawned as Queen Elizabeth came to the throne on the death of her father in 1952 - the same year foundations were laid for the first homes in Penhill.

The country was still suffering rationing and food shortages, money was tight and few people had cars, TVs or could afford to take holidays abroad.

Built to accommodate the London overspill, it represented a new start for families struggling with overcrowding and poor housing.

Nearly 2,500 of the new properties had gardens and the estate was the site of Swindon's first three tower blocks.

One of the first on London County Council's housing list to move into Penhill was a Second World War veteran with his pregnant wife and their child. They had been living in a single room and there was no hope of finding better accommodation in the metropolis.

The estate was designed so it could be sustainable in the event of another world war. Many homes were positioned south-facing and with large gardens so children had space to play and tenants could grow their own produce.

It has changed over the years but people living there still speak of a strong sense of community.