The sight of flooding flowing along Fleming Way has brought back memories of the last time Swindon's town centre had a similar water feature.
The North Wilts canal was built in the 1810s to join the Wilts and Berks Canal from near the site of the current bus station to the Thames and Severn Canal at Latton, north of Cricklade.
The highest point of the waterway fell between Chaddington (east of Royal Wootton Bassett) and South Marston.
The Coate Water lake's original purpose was to keep the canal topped up as there were no locks for nearly nine miles.
Make the most of your Swindon Advertiser reading experience with our digital subscription.
— Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) August 2, 2024
🔴Fewer Adverts
⚫Daily Exclusive Stories
🔴Digital Edition of paper
⚫Ad-Free App
🔴Puzzles
Huge Offer currently on - £6 for 6months or 50% off for the year!https://t.co/3iAtQI2zRj pic.twitter.com/JPlAgG21zC
The canal was formally abandoned in 1914 and most of it has since been built over as nearby landowners purchased the land it flowed through.
Some of it remains visible today, such as the stretch from Kingshill to Wichelstowe, and at the western edge of Mouldon Hill Country Park.
Shoppers stroll the old route from Canal Walk to the Magic Roundabout and towards Greenbridge and Stratton.
In the future, the canal could be brought back into central Swindon and northwards along the North Wilts Canal route.
For a few hours on September 19, due to an accident connecting pipes under Fleming Way, Swindon saw what that might be like.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel