On 10th September 2021, The Friends of Lydiard Park launched The Lydiard Archives, a unique on-line collection of objects, portraits, records, manuscripts, photographs, memories, and ephemera related to Lydiard Park. To mark the occasion The Friends presented Swindon Borough Council with an 18th century portrait of the Hon Holles St.John to hang in the House.
Cllr Robert Jandy, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage & Leisure and Frances Yeo, Museums Manager, Swindon Borough Council with Elizabeth St.John and Sarah Finch-Crisp
Working with local residents, archives and authorities, as well as global institutions, we are creating a digitized collection of Lydiard Park’s precious legacy. From early medieval times to its 17th and 18th century prosperity, and from dereliction in the forties, to its rescue and dedication to the people of Swindon, The Lydiard Archives tell of a rare heritage built on survival and tenacity.
Whether for education, social history, genealogy, research or simply local interest, The Lydiard Archives are a living testament to the wide range of primary source materials and objects associated with the House, Park, St. Mary’s Church, and surrounding parish of Lydiard Tregoze. Curated special collections, transcriptions of rare manuscripts, along with scholarly articles and handwritten diaries span the incredible breadth of artefacts within the digital collection. With such a wealth of material available, new research emerging and historic items unearthed, this unique site will continue to expand.
You can browse The Lydiard Archives; please enjoy the open access we are offering through to December 9th, 2021. After that, we will limit specific items within the site to members of The Friends of Lydiard Park, while most of the archives remain open for everyone’s enjoyment.